Incomplete Recovery of Erectile Function in Rats After Discontinuation of Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Therapy

The study investigated the long-term effects of the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) dutasteride on erectile function in rats. Twenty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a control group (N = 10), an 8-week dutasteride treatment group (N = 8), and a 6-week dutasteride treatment followed by a 2-week washout period group (N = 8). The results showed that erectile function, as measured by intracavernosal pressure (ICP) to mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio and total ICP, was significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared to controls. Although some erectile responses improved after discontinuation of dutasteride, not all functions recovered, indicating a potentially lasting negative impact on erectile function. The study concluded that the withdrawal effects of 5ARIs on human sexual function warrant further investigation.