Finasteride Sex Drive: How This Medication Impacts Sexually?
Finasteride is an FDA-approved medicine that treats hair loss and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in men. While it’s effective for these conditions, some people have concerns about its possible impact on sexual drive. A study published in the National Library of Medicine states that about 15% of individuals using Finasteride may experience adverse sexual reactions after a year of use, leading to understandable worries about how it might affect their sexual health.
In this article, we will clear all such doubts regarding the Finasteride sex drive. We will help you know how Finasteride can affect your sex drive and share simple ways to manage any side effects you might experience.
Finasteride impact on sex drive
Finasteride stops the conversion of Testosterone to the hormone DHT, resulting in less hormone production. This drop in DHT can help with hair loss and prostate problems, but it may also cause some side effects. Several clinical studies have indicated that some men may experience adverse sexual effects while taking the medication.
Here are a few reported sexual side effects of Finasteride:
Decreased libido
Finasteride lowers the sex drive. This means that men taking this medication may find themselves less interested in sexual activities. The decrease in DHT, a hormone that plays a crucial role in sex drive, can lead to a noticeable reduction in libido. Men may feel less motivated to engage in sexual activities or may not feel aroused as easily as before.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Finasteride can cause ED in some men. Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to achieve or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. This can result in frustration, decreased self-esteem, and strained relationships.
Also read: If you want to know how to recover from this side effect, you can read our article Understanding Finasteride Erectile Dysfunction Recovery.
Ejaculation disorders
Finasteride can lead to issues with ejaculation, such as reduced volume or delayed ejaculation. Men may notice that their ejaculate volume is significantly lower than usual. Additionally, it may take longer to reach ejaculation, or they might experience difficulty in ejaculating during sexual activity.
Psychological effects
The sexual side effects can sometimes lead to psychological distress. Men experiencing decreased libido, ED, or ejaculation disorders may feel anxious, depressed, or embarrassed. The mental pressure and worry about sexual performance can create a cycle of psychological distress, further impacting sexual function.
How common are these side effects
Sexual side effects from Finasteride, including ED, reduced libido, and ejaculation problems, can occur in more than 1 in 100 people. While these reactions can occur, they will improve over time on their own. They are often mild and more likely with higher doses, such as 5 mg.
In some cases, some men may continue to experience sexual issues even after stopping Finasteride. This condition is known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), which includes ongoing sexual, neurological, physical, and mental problems. These reactions may last for at least three months after discontinuation of the medication.
Ways to manage these effects
If you are taking Finasteride and experiencing some sexual side effects, know that you’re not alone, and many people have similar concerns. The good news is that these side effects are usually temporary and reversible. They don’t last forever.
Here are a few things you can do to manage them effectively:
Consult your doctor
If you experience a significant decrease in sex drive or other sexual side effects, it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if Finasteride is the cause and suggest alternatives or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Adjust your dose
Sometimes, lowering the dosage can help mitigate the side effects while still providing therapeutic benefits. A doctor can better guide you on the appropriate dosage adjustments.
Alternative treatments
There are alternative medications and therapies available that may not have the same side effects as Finasteride. Depending on your unique needs and reasons for taking Finasteride, these options might be worth discussing with your doctor. For example, other treatments for hair loss or BPH are available. You can take Hair 4u 2% for hair loss and Tadacip 20 mg for BPH.
Medications for ED
If ED is a concern, medications that contain Sildenafil as its active salt can be effective. It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any ED medications to ensure they’re safe for you.
Keep patience
In some cases, the sexual side effects may diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Proper monitoring and follow-up with your doctor are essential to assess progress and make necessary changes.
Conclusion
Finasteride can cause several side effects and can affect a person sexually. One such effect is a reduction in sexual desire, often referred to as Finasteride sex drive issues. Apart from sex drive, Finasteride can also cause ED and ejaculation disorders. The side effects are the result of a decrease in the levels of DHT in the body.
These sexual reactions to Finasteride are not very common, and they are reversible once your body adjusts to the medicine. In some cases, these side effects remain even after stopping the use of medicine. This is called Post-Finasteride Syndrome. You can manage these side effects by consulting a doctor. They can help adjust your dosage or provide you with alternate treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Finasteride increase sex drive?
No. In fact, Finasteride is more commonly associated with adverse sexual effects, such as decreased sex drive, Erectile Dysfunction, and decreased ejaculate volume. However, these side effects are usually mild and reversible once the medication is stopped, but they can be severe in some cases.
Why does Finasteride affect sex drive?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an important hormone in men required in the development of sexual characteristics, including sex drive and erectile function. By blocking the turning of Testosterone to DHT, Finasteride may reduce the amount of DHT available to the body, which can lead to sexual side effects.
Are sexual effects from Finasteride permanent?
In most cases, sexual side effects from Finasteride are reversible once the medication is stopped. However, the side effects can persist even after discontinuing the medication, although this is relatively rare and is referred to as Post Finasteride Syndrome.
Can I take Finasteride and still have a normal sex life?
Many men are able to take Finasteride without experiencing significant sexual side effects. However, it’s important to be aware of the possible risks and to discuss any concerns with your doctor before starting the medication. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your situation.