TLDR Odds Ratios can be misleading; it's better to also present risk and Relative Risks for clarity.
The document from November 27, 2018, discussed the use of 5α-reductase inhibitor drugs finasteride and dutasteride in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their associated sexual adverse effects. A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 17,494 men showed a 69% increase in the risk of impaired libido and a 55% increase in the risk of erectile dysfunction in men with BPH. However, these risks were not significantly impacted in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), possibly due to lower doses used. The document also highlighted the complexities of interpreting Odds Ratios (ORs) and Relative Risks (RRs) in statistical analyses, emphasizing the importance of presenting risk and RRs wherever possible.
October 2006 in “Aging Health” Dutasteride effectively treats benign prostatic obstruction, improves urinary flow, reduces prostate size, and may prevent prostate cancer, but can cause sexual side effects.
[object Object] 3 citations,
July 2021 in “Drug Testing and Analysis” 5α-reductase inhibitors can interfere with doping tests by masking banned substances.
57 citations,
July 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” 5α-reductase inhibitors increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in men with enlarged prostate.
1 citations,
August 2015 in “Current Sexual Health Reports” 5α-reductase inhibitors can cause serious and possibly lasting sexual and psychological side effects.
22 citations,
November 2018 in “Breast Cancer Research and Treatment” The medications 5α-reductase inhibitors and spironolactone are generally safe for breast cancer patients on endocrine therapies and do not significantly increase breast cancer risk.
5 citations,
August 2018 in “Sexual Medicine Reviews” 5α-Reductase inhibitors do not consistently increase testosterone levels in the blood.