Duration of Finasteride and Dutasteride Treatment Linked to Long-Term Erectile Dysfunction

A study conducted on 11,909 men who took the 5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride found that 1.4% of them developed persistent erectile dysfunction (ED) that lasted for at least 90 days after stopping treatment. The duration of exposure to these drugs was a more accurate predictor of persistent ED than other known risk factors such as age, hypertension, and depression. This finding is important for prescribers and patients considering treatment with these inhibitors.