Sexual Problems of Men With Androgenic Alopecia Treated With 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

October 2018 in “ Sexual medicine reviews ”

Enis Rauf Coskuner, Burak Ozkan, Mehmet Gokhan Culha

5-Alpha reductase inhibitors finasteride androgenic alopecia erectile dysfunction ejaculation problems decreased libido androgen insufficiency low peripheral androgen activity peripheral inhibition of 5-alpha reductase depression sexual dysfunction 5-ARIs Propecia AGA ED

Studysummary This review discusses sexual side effects in men with androgenic alopecia treated with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and reports no new clinical findings.

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

In 2019, a study examined the effects of 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), including finasteride, used in treating androgenic alopecia (AGA) on sexual functioning. The study found that these drugs could cause side effects like erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and decreased libido. However, it was unclear which men might experience these side effects and when they might appear. The study also found that men with persistent symptoms after discontinuing finasteride showed no evidence of androgen insufficiency, low peripheral androgen activity, or persistent peripheral inhibition of 5-alpha reductase. The study suggested focusing on depression and sexual symptoms for treatment, as men seeking treatment for AGA have a higher prevalence of depression and sexual dysfunction. The study concluded that more research was needed to understand the pathways leading to the onset and continuation of side effects in men who have used finasteride.

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Research cited in this study

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