Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

March 2011 in “ The Journal of Sexual Medicine ”

Michael S. Irwig, Swapna Kolukula

finasteride male pattern hair loss low libido erectile dysfunction decreased arousal problems with orgasm Propecia

TLDR Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.

The study investigated the persistent sexual side effects of finasteride, a medication used for male pattern hair loss. The study found that a subset of men taking finasteride developed persistent sexual side effects, including low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased arousal, and problems with orgasm. The mean duration of these side effects was at least 40 months, with some subjects reporting durations of over 6 years. The study suggests that healthcare providers should inform patients of the potential for these side effects before prescribing finasteride.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

research Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

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Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.

research The Effect of 5-Reductase Inhibitors on Erectile Function

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5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may cause a low incidence of erectile dysfunction that decreases over time.

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research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

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Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

research The Effects of Transdermal Dihydrotestosterone in the Aging Male: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

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Dihydrotestosterone gel improved well-being and sexual function in older men without negatively affecting prostate health.

research Finasteride

125 citations, January 1999 in “Drugs”

Finasteride effectively treats baldness but may cause sexual side effects.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations, October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

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9 / 9 results

research Ethnopharmacological Review of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alopecia

March 2023 in “International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology”

Various medicinal plants like Polygonum multiflorum, Red ginseng extract, and Zizyphus jujuba can potentially treat hair loss, offering benefits like low cost and multiple ways of working. Other effective natural substances include Pygeum africanum, Seneroa, Urtica dioica, and more.

research Evaluating the Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma and 1550 nm Fractional Laser in Combination and Alone for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

October 2022 in “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology”

Combining PRP and laser treatments improves hair density best for androgenetic alopecia.

research Combination Therapy with Oral Minoxidil and Dutasteride in the Treatment of Male Patterned Baldness: A Case Report

January 2022 in “Cosmoderma”

Using oral minoxidil and dutasteride together can quickly increase hair growth and volume with minimal side effects.

Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Research cited in this study

research Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

research The Effect of 5-Reductase Inhibitors on Erectile Function

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Effects of Transdermal Dihydrotestosterone in the Aging Male: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

research Finasteride

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

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