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Can Hair Loss Drugs Cause Sexual Dysfunction?
Many waves have been made about the recently-published report regarding hair loss drugs. Published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine’s March issue, the article reported dire effects of male pattern baldness drug finasteride, the main ingredient used in Proscar, a prostate medication, and Propecia, a hair loss medication.
Male pattern baldness is the process by which testosterone is converted to the snzyme DHT, which slows and stops the production of hair in certain areas of a male’s scalp. Finasteride blocks the conversion process and has been utilized to great effect in the hair loss drug Propecia.
Side effects of finasteride include erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. Side effects also included reduced ejaculation and semen volume as well as depression.
The main thrust of the research is not so much that finasteride may cause these side effects, but that it does so in a greater percentage of men than originally thought, and that once men experiencing them stop the medication, it may be too late to go back.
According to Propecia’s website, Merck, the company that manufactures Propecia, has warned men of side effects such as loss of sexual appetite, erectile dysfunction, and decreased semen production. However, the disclaimer also states that these side effects are seen in only 2% of men, as opposed to the study’s reported 8%. Propecia’s website also indicates that the side effects will stop once use of the drug is ceased, which appears to not be the case according to the report.
It is important to note that this report does not offer definitve proof that the drug finasteride causes irreversible sexual side effects. First off, this study was done on a relatively small number of men. Secondly, to say that any of these effects are irreversible is a bit presumptuous. There is a glaring lack of long-term data on the topic, and there is always the chance that a drug developed in the future will be able to reverse any negative sexual side effects.
Overall, more research will have to be done into finasteride to determine its precise influences on the body, and whether its effects are indeed non-reversibe.
Until then, you and your doctor should determine whether or not finasteride is worthwhile to you.
If you’re interested in other solutions for male pattern baldness, we recommend that you consult with a qualified hair loss specialist. He or she can help you decide the best course of action for you, as well as inform you of the possible side effects, risks, and expected results.
To arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert in your area, contact Hair Loss Specialists today!
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