Does Finasteride Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
We spend a lot of time covering all aspects of hair loss treatments and solutions for men and women who suffer from baldness and thinning hair. So, when you take into account just how many products and treatments we cover and review on a weekly basis, it really is quite incredible that, of all the products on the market, only two drugs have been FDA approved.
It should be noted that an FDA approved drug is NOT a cure. Being FDA approved just means the product is allowed to label and market their brand as a 'treatment' instead of a cosmetic.
The two FDA approved drugs for treating hair loss are Minoxidil (branded as Regaine/Rogaine), and of course Finasteride (branded as Propecia). Now, even though Minoxidil does have its own side-effects, let us focus on Finasteride and delve a little deeper into what kinds of nasty side-effects you could be potentially letting yourself in for yourself by taking this potent drug.
The non-sexual side effects of Propecia include:
- swelling in your hands or feet
- swelling or tenderness around the torso
- dizziness
- weakness
- headaches
- runny nose
- skin rash
- paranoia
The sexual side-effects of Propecia include:
- impotence
- loss of interest in sex
- trouble having an orgasm
- abnormal ejaculation
The sexual side effects of Propecia may continue after you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects. Propecia may also cause decrease in blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, and can affect the PSA blood test.
Long-term hair loss sufferer and Propecia user, Michael Patsalides, gives us his take on the potent hair loss treatment drug, and after ten years of use, here's what he had to say:
"I started to notice my hair thinning at the crown in my mid-twenties, and I really didn't want to waste any time on something this serious, so I went to see a doctor straight way. He confirmed I was at the beginning stages of male pattern baldness, and therefore prescribed me Propecia.
He warned me of the potential side-effects, including sexual ones, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I have been using Propecia for nearly ten years, and I would be lying if I said I hadn't noticed any side-effects along the way.
Yes, my sex drive did drop dramatically, and yes I was indeed having problems trying to get my penis to function properly, but I did notice much less hair fall and I always put my hair before my sex life, which did cost me a few relationships in that time. I stopped using the drug a few months ago as my partner and I were trying for a baby.
We are now expecting, and I have made the decision not go back on Propecia ever again. I have suffered long-term damage from using this drug, and although I have probably saved myself a lot of hair, I still regret not trying something safer and more natural for my hair loss problem.
The thing is, when your are losing your hair, it sends your mind into overdrive, thus making your thinking a lot more jumbled."
It seems an ever increasing amount of men are finding themselves in a position where they need to choose whether they keep their hair or their sex-life. Not all men will experience sexual problems from taking Finasteride, but there is a high chance of complications and side-effects.
If you are suffering from early stages of male pattern baldness, then we would advise you speak to your doctor about it, but do not always assume that going by what your doctor says is necessarily the right choice.
It seems an ever increasing amount of men are finding themselves in a position where they need to choose whether they keep their hair or their sex-life. Not all men will experience sexual problems from taking Finasteride, but there is a high chance of complications and side-effects.
If you are suffering from early stages of male pattern baldness, then we would advise you speak to your doctor about it, but do not always assume that going by what your doctor says is necessarily the right choice.
Remember, some doctors earn commission on recommending products like Propecia and services such as hair transplants. So, be sure to look out for natural supplements like Nutrafol, Procerin, HR23+ and Viviscal - these have demonstrated excellent results in men and women battling hair loss, and they could potentially work well for you too.
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