May 2019 in “Hair transplant forum international” In this study, the authors reported no significant difference in sexual dysfunction between finasteride users and non-users among men with androgenetic alopecia, suggesting that finasteride does not cause sexual dysfunction. This finding aligns with other large survey-based studies.
20 citations
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August 2018 in “The World Journal of Men's Health” This review summarized existing research on finasteride and erectile dysfunction, finding a correlation between finasteride use for benign prostatic hyperplasia and ED, but not strongly for male androgenetic alopecia.
13 citations
,
June 2018 in “Current Urology Reports” This review suggests that while finasteride for male pattern hair loss was previously considered safe, there is now evidence associating 5-α reductase inhibitors with significant sexual and reproductive side effects.
7 citations
,
March 2018 in “Dermatology and therapy” This study found that Italian dermatologists commonly prescribe 1 mg/day finasteride for androgenetic alopecia despite reported sexual side effects, due to its perceived long-term efficacy.
66 citations
,
April 2017 in “International Journal of Andrology” This study found that 5α-reductase inhibitors significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and hypoactive sexual desire in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, compared to placebo.
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.
21 citations
,
January 2017 in “Dermatology Online Journal” This review discusses the sexual side effects of finasteride and dutasteride, two 5-α-reductase inhibitors, and reports no new clinical findings while calling for further research into dosage differences.
14 citations
,
May 2016 in “Therapeutic advances in urology” This review examines the use of tadalafil and finasteride as a combined therapy for BPH, suggesting it may effectively reduce treatment-related sexual adverse events and improve symptom relief.
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.
September 2014 in “PubMed Central” This review discusses the sexual side effects of medical and surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, such as erectile dysfunction and changes in ejaculation, but presents no new clinical findings.
185 citations
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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.
223 citations
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December 2010 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” This review discusses persistent adverse effects of 5α‐reductase inhibitors, like diminished libido and erectile dysfunction, in some patients and highlights the need for patient discussions before therapy, especially for androgenetic alopecia.
March 2008 in “European Urology Supplements” Finasteride and dutasteride can affect sexual function in BPH patients.