Does finasteride have serious sexual side effect?

Question

I want to use for my hairloss problem but scare of its sexual side effects. Will rogaine and PRP enough to stop or decrease hairloss. My age is 24.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

There is no permanent cure for genetic male pattern balding.  Medications such a Propecia will help.  There are side effects with any medications.  If you are emotionally scared of the side effects, then it may not be something you want to use.  You should explore your emotions and facts with a doctor for a better treatment option.

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

Finasteride is considered the gold standard medication to slow down the progression of hair loss.  The key being that there is no present cure for hair loss.  All hair loss treatments help to slow down its progression.  You need to have a formal consultation with a hair loss specialist to be able to address your concerns and determine the best treatment plan for your individual case.  Each medication and treatment has its pro/cons, risks and benefits.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Finasteride is more effective than minoxidil and PRP, but that's not to say you won't possibly obtain benefit from any treatment.Finasteride has "potential" side effects so you'll want to review them in detail with your physician. These include:sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and ejaculatory problemsmood changes including depressiongynecomastia or enlargement of breast tissuesqueezing sensation around the bladder

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear rb9909,

Thank you for your clinical post.  Male pattern hair loss can be a stressful and
disheartening process for any young male. 
To reduce and retire the speed of thinning and recession Finasteride,
also known as Propecia, is one of the gold standards.  It blocks the production of testosterone at
source in the testicle reducing the amount of DHT that builds up from the
genetically determined inadequate functioning of the enzymes 5-alpha
reductase.  Other options other than
hormonal blockade include topical vasodilatory products such as Rogaine or
Minoxidil, plasma rich protein injections, topical nutrient serums and
shampoos, as well as low-level light therapy. 
These have also shown to be successful though not as predictable or
consistent in retarding the progression of hair loss as Finasteride.

Unfortunately, some males do experience side effects with the
use of Finasteride.  These side effects
include 1) a potential decrease libido; 2) a sexual dysfunction with erectile
dysfunction with or without loss of libido; 3) mood changes, dysphoria and even
depression; 4) sensation of urinary retention and 5) male gynecomastia.  Muscle aches and bone pain can also occur.

These symptoms are not necessarily common, but certainly
warrant full discussion with a physician prior to having Finasteride prescribed
and you should be wary and watchful for the appearance of any of these signs or
symptoms.

There is one study that suggests a very small group of males
may be more predisposed to aggressive version of prostate cancer.  However, this study is certainly
controversial, but it bears consideration.

I hope this information has been of some assistance.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you obsess about sexual side effects if you try finasteride, you will likely get them, but if you don't obsess about it, the normal sexual side effects impact only 1 in 50 men statistically. A lot depends upon your state of mind and this is an excellent drug to prevent or stop or possibly reverse some of the hair loss in a man of your age.

Does finasteride have serious sexual side effect?

Answers (5)

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