The Impact of the 5α-Reductase Inhibitors on Male Sexual Function and Psychological Well-Being

    August 2015 in “ Current Sexual Health Reports ”
    Abdulmaged M. Traish
    Image of study
    TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause serious and possibly lasting sexual and psychological side effects.
    The 2015 document reviewed the adverse effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs) like finasteride and dutasteride on male sexual function and psychological well-being. It reported that these drugs, used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA), are linked to serious sexual side effects such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and ejaculatory dysfunction, which may be persistent or irreversible. The document also highlighted the potential for these drugs to interfere with neurosteroid biosynthesis, possibly leading to depression. Clinical studies have shown a significant incidence of sexual dysfunction in patients treated with 5α-RIs, and preclinical studies suggest that the molecular mechanisms involved could have lasting effects. The document concluded that the safety of 5α-RIs is questionable and that physicians have an ethical responsibility to inform patients about these risks before prescribing the medication.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    29 / 29 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 90 results
      FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      in Research  330 upvotes 2 months ago
      FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

      community NW5 at 19. How many grafts do I need?

      in Transplants  140 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 19-year-old with rapid hair loss since 16 is considering a hair transplant but refuses to take finasteride or any 5α-Reductase inhibitors. They are currently using minoxidil, tretinoin, and microneedling with a Derminator 2, and only want hair until age 27.

      community Massive study on finasteride side effects released

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  83 upvotes 1 year ago
      The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

    Related Research

    5 / 5 results