An Irreversible Affection of the Sexual Sphere: A Case Report

February 2026 in “ Journal of Psychosexual Health ”

Sofia Mendes Cunha

finasteride androgenetic alopecia post-finasteride syndrome sexual dysfunction Propecia PFS

Studysummary This case report describes a 26-year-old man who experienced persistent sexual dysfunction and other symptoms for 19 months after stopping finasteride for androgenetic alopecia. The authors highlight post-finasteride syndrome's impact on quality of life and stress the need for careful risk-benefit assessment before prescribing.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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research Post-Finasteride Syndrome: A True Clinical Entity?

February 2025 in “International Journal of Impotence Research”

research The Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Possible Etiological Mechanisms and Symptoms

3 citations , September 2023 in “International journal of impotence research”

The authors concluded that finasteride and dutasteride might have serious side effects, including persistent sexual dysfunction for some, necessitating further research and vigilant risk-benefit analysis.

research Case Report: A Study of the Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Variants of Post-Finasteride Syndrome Patients

September 2022 in “Translational Andrology and Urology”

This study found that in young men with post-finasteride syndrome, there are potential genetic risk factors associated with psychological and sexual dysfunctions, suggesting genetic screening may be beneficial before prescribing finasteride.

research Post-Finasteride Syndrome: Literature Review

January 2022 in “Archivos españoles de urología”

This review examines global literature on post-finasteride syndrome, finding few studies link finasteride to rare sexual and systemic adverse effects; it is the first such review conducted in Spain.

research Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It's Time to Sound the Alarm

17 citations , January 2020 in “The World Journal of Men's Health”

This article discusses the potential health risks associated with long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride for prostate and hair loss treatments, suggesting risks may include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues.

research Persistent Erectile Dysfunction in Men Exposed to 5α-Reductase Inhibitors, Finasteride, or Dutasteride

50 citations , March 2017 in “PeerJ”

This study found that longer exposure to 5α-reductase inhibitors significantly increased the risk of persistent erectile dysfunction, especially in younger men exposed to finasteride.

An Observational Retrospective Evaluation of 79 Young Men with Long-Term Adverse Effects After Use of Finasteride Against Androgenetic Alopecia

research An Observational Retrospective Evaluation of 79 Young Men with Long-Term Adverse Effects After Use of Finasteride Against Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Andrology”

This study found that men experiencing long-term symptoms after finasteride use for androgenetic alopecia frequently reported loss of penis sensitivity and anhedonia, among other effects, indicating potential post-finasteride syndrome.

Neuroactive Steroid Levels Are Modified in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma of Post-Finasteride Patients Showing Persistent Sexual Side Effects and Anxious/Depressive Symptomatology

research Neuroactive Steroid Levels Are Modified in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma of Post-Finasteride Patients Showing Persistent Sexual Side Effects and Anxious/Depressive Symptomatology

73 citations , July 2013 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study observed that androgenic alopecia patients taking finasteride had altered neuroactive steroid levels and persistent depression symptoms even after stopping the treatment.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.