Understanding Finasteride Erectile Dysfunction Recovery
Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication for Male Pattern Baldness and Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.
According to ClinCalc, almost 2,156,558 people take Finasteride in the United States.
Finasteride is very effective but has sexual side effects like decreased libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Ejaculatory Dysfunction.
These side effects are rare as many men generally tolerate Finasteride well.
Fortunately, Erectile Dysfunction is often temporary and ceases once the medication is stopped.
But some men might need therapy and treatment to recover.
Continue reading to discover more about Finasteride erectile dysfunction recovery and potential treatment options.
What is Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA- approved oral medication.
It is used to treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Male Pattern hair loss.
It is available in 1 mg and 5 mg tablets.
While the 5 mg is used for BPH, the 1 mg is used for hair loss.
Recovery of Erectile Dysfunction caused by Finasteride
Finasteride side effects can significantly impact your quality of life.
In a few cases, the side effects can be reduced by just stopping the medication, while in some cases, the side effect might be permanent.
The recovery from these side effects varies from person to person.
Here are a few potential approaches that may lessen the side effect:
Consider lowering the dosage
Finasteride is available in 1 mg and 5 mg.
The 1 mg dose is for hair loss, whereas the 5 mg is for BPH.
Consult your doctor about taking a lower dose if you are experiencing any side effects.
Changing your lifestyle
Poor lifestyle habits like lack of exercise, a balanced diet, or consuming alcohol can lead to obesity, which has been linked to Erectile Dysfunction.
Therefore, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to decrease the chances of getting side effects.
Use other treatments
Hair loss can be combated with other medications like Minoxidil.
Minoxidil is an FDA- approved hair loss treatment.
It can be used alone or in combination with Finasteride.
This can also help in increasing hair density.
Take breaks from Finasteride
If you have side effects, talk to your doctor about taking breaks from Finasteride.
This may assist in lessening the possibility of long-term side effects.
This will also enable your body to recuperate from any negative consequences.
Take Finasteride during the nighttime
Finasteride can be used at night to lessen the risk of negative effects.
This is due to the fact that DHT production is highest in the morning.
As a result, taking the drug at night may help to lessen its effect on DHT levels.
Erectile Dysfunction treatments
There are many treatments for Erectile Dysfunction.
You can consult with your doctor and go with the treatment that is suitable for you.
How does Finasteride cause Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction from Finasteride mainly occurs due to the interaction of Finasteride and other hormones like Testosterone and DHT.
First, as Finasteride is a 5-? reductase inhibitor, it prevents the conversion of Testosterone into the active form of Dihydrotestosterone or DHT(a hormone that lowers hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle).
Low levels of Dihydrotestosterone affect sexual function and development in many ways and might lead to ED.
Second, it can also cause Testosterone to be converted into Estradiol, a female sex hormone.
When Estradiol levels become high sexual side effects like ED start to occur.
This side effect is, however, rare.
How common is Finasteride Erectile Dysfunction
The side effects of Finasteride are not very common and only happen to a few people.
In reality, just 2.1-3.8% of Finasteride users are expected to experience adverse effects.
In a 2010 research, 2.2% of men who were given Finasteride pills daily for hair loss had an increase in Erectile Dysfunction compared to a placebo tablet.
So, while Finasteride can cause Erectile Dysfunction in some situations, it only affects a tiny proportion of people.
Takeaway
Finasteride can cause side effects like Erectile Dysfunction.
This side effect is rare and does not happen to many people.
The treatment options for this can vary from person to person.
Some people get well after discontinuing Finasteride, whereas others might need more treatment.
Erectile Dysfunction caused by Finasteride can be treated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, lowering the dosage, using other topical medications like Minoxidil, taking breaks from Finasteride, and going through ED treatments.
Erectile Dysfunction happens due to the interaction of Finasteride and other sex hormones.
It is always recommended to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
