Finasteride and Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Male Androgenetic Alopecia

This document reviews studies on the relationship between finasteride, a drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), and erectile dysfunction (ED). The majority of studies suggest that finasteride use for BPH is associated with an increased risk of ED, while studies on MAA patients have mixed results. Some studies report side effects of finasteride associated with sexual dysfunction, including ED, male infertility, and loss of libido. The authors suggest that further research is needed to clarify the findings and that physicians should be aware of the potential risk of ED in patients taking finasteride for BPH.