If you’ve done your homework on hair loss, then you must have heard of this medication. Propecia, also going by the generic brand name ‘Finasteride’, is the most commonly used medication to help prevent the effects of Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). By reducing the amount of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) your body produces, it can aid in slowing down the process of hair loss. But don’t worry, hair growth will not be affected in any other part of your body.
It is a simple medication to use but it must be taken daily, otherwise the effects of the medication will wear off. So just from a glance, this medication looks like the answer to every man’s prayer, but don’t be fooled by just the benefits. Like any other prescription drug out in the market, there are several side effects to this medication.
Let start of easy and state the ones that are the least common to occur. Some of these side effects that may occur would be cases of hives, itchy skin, unusual weight gain or loss, tingling of hands and feet and skin rashes. If any of these do occur, it is recommended you go consult with your doctor right away.
Now the real cost of Propecia is the effect it can have on a man’s sex life. There have been numerous reports and studies that have shown that with continuous use of finasteride, it is more common that the male will have a decreased interest in sexual intercourse, inability to have or keep an erection and the loss in sexual ability, desire, drive or performance when it comes to having sex with their partner.
Erectile dysfunction is the most common out of the multiple side effects that can occur to a man’s sex life. According to the American Urological association (AUA), erectile problems affected 8 percent of men on finasteride. If you’re a Big Ten sports fan, then you know of Charles K. He had numerous side effects from the use of Propecia as he said, “I’d be with a sexy woman, and there was just no interest on my part…If anything, it was almost like I felt mild repulsion. The rest of this article can be found here, which I recommend is a great read because It goes into full detail about how he struggled with the side effects from taking the medication; even long after he stopped using it.
That’s right, these side effects such as erectile dysfunction, loss in libido and so on can continue even after you stop using the drug. In March of 2017, a Northwestern Medicine study showed men would get persistent erectile dysfunction for months or years after stopping finasteride. Of the men studied, 1.4% developed persistent erectile dysfunction that continued for an average of about 1,350 days after stopping the treatment.
Just like taking any other prescription drug, there can be adverse side effects that come along with the intended treatment of the medication. Propecia (finasteride) has been the most common form of medication used to combat hair loss for males. Thankfully, there are plenty of non-surgical options available now, that can help you slow down the effects of hair loss without the unwanted side effects. Instead of wasting time searching for these options, we have the solution for you right here. We would love to know about your own personal experience with Propecia. What effects, if any, did it have for you? And did they go away once you stopped using the medication?