Popular Male Drugs and Sex Health
Published on Apr 27, 2011
Two drugs often prescribed to treat enlarged prostate symptoms are associated with irreversible sexual dysfunction in some men, according to two recent studies published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
The medications, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart), help men who have problems urinating because of an enlarged prostate. Finasteride is also used to treat hair loss in men.
These drugs help men urinate by blocking androgen, a hormone. However, androgen also plays a role in a man’s libido, erectile function, and ejaculation. Lower levels of androgen can lead to sexual problems.
In the first study, researchers wanted to learn more about the extent of the sexual side effects for these drugs. To do this, they looked other studies on these drugs, paying close attention to the side effects.
The researchers found that among the men who took the drugs, approximately 8% had erectile dysfunction and 4.2% had problems with libido. For the men who took placebos, these numbers were 4% for erectile dysfunction and 1.8% for libido problems.
For some men, these side effects lasted for a long time, even after they stopped taking the medications. And some men had permanent sexual dysfunction because of the drugs.
The study authors felt that there is a “possibility of a causal relationship” between these medications and sexual side effects. They suggested that doctors discuss the possibility of sexual dysfunction with patients. Other treatments may be suitable, especially for hair loss.
The second study looked at the sexual side effects of finasteride when used to treat hair loss.
Researchers interviewed 71 men between the ages of 21 and 46. The men were using finasteride for hair loss, but were healthy otherwise. The men had had sexual side effects for at least three months, even though they had stopped using finasteride.
In this group, 94% of the men developed a reduced libido, 92% had erectile dysfunction, 92% had problems becoming aroused, and 69% had trouble with orgasms.
On average, the men had taken finasteride for about 28 months. The mean time period between the time they stopped taking finasteride and the time of the interview was 40 months.
The authors advised doctors to talk about these side effects with patients considering finasteride for hair loss.
For more: Delayed Ejaculation, Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation
Visitor Comments
By Gregg Ferris on Aug 14, 2011
I have taken Propecia for a year and cannot get or maintain a good erection. Is this permanant?
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