Propecia And Permanent Sexual Dysfunction

Use of the popular hair-loss treatment Propecia may lead to irreversible sexual dysfunction, according to a study published in the July 2011 Journal of Sexual Medicine. Some men have been prescribed the drug under the brand name Proscar as a treatment for an enlarged prostate gland or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The drug, also known by its generic name finasteride, has been linked to persistent erectile dysfunction in men even after they have stopped taking the drug.

Propecia has been linked to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, testicular pain, and depression in men who use it. The FDA has also recently ordered manufacturers to include a warning on labels that side effects may include a higher risk of prostate cancer. Although most men report that side effects subside after stopping the drug, a small percentage of men will suffer long-term effects. Many European countries have required labels to include information about the possibility of permanent sexual dysfunction, but no such requirement has been mandated by the FDA in the United States. The current label warns side effects may persist after discontinued use, but does not state that this effect could be permanent.

Men are usually prescribed the drug in dosage amounts ranging from 1 mg for male pattern baldness and 5 mg for enlarged prostate. Although not approved for use in women, some doctors prescribe the drug for treatment of female pattern baldness and excess body hair. A study conducted by Dr. Michael Irwig of George Washington University found that a majority of test subjects had marked adverse sexual side-effects, with 20 percent reporting continued dysfunction five years after discontinuing the drug. It is not clear why some men develop long-term side effects.

Synthesized from the hormone progesterone, finasteride inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. While this can promote hair growth and reduce pressure in the prostate gland, it also affects sperm production and motility, and can lead to a hormonal imbalance that leads to sexual problems and a risk for depression. In women it can cause fetal abnormalities. Pregnant women are advised not to handle the drug, particularly crushed pills, because the drug can be absorbed through the skin.

It is important for men to discuss with their healthcare providers the risks associated with taking Propecia. The benefits of taking the drug may be outweighed by potentially serious side effects that may be permanent.