Published on: 7/15/2025
Can finasteride cause permanent sexual side effects?
Some studies suggest that finasteride can cause lasting sexual side effects in some people, even after they stop taking it.
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Explanation
Finasteride is a medication often used to treat hair loss and prostate issues. Some research indicates that it may lead to persistent sexual side effects for some individuals. According to the studies by Irwig and Ganzer, there are reports of ongoing sexual, emotional, and cognitive problems even after discontinuing the drug. This condition is sometimes referred to as post-finasteride syndrome.
Key Points
- Persistent Side Effects: Some people report sexual side effects like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction that continue after stopping finasteride.
- Additional Concerns: Emotional and cognitive issues have also been noted in some cases.
- Research Limitations: While these studies raise important concerns, more research is needed to fully understand how often these side effects occur and why they persist in some individuals.
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(References)
- Irwig MS. (2012). Persistent sexual side effects of finasteride: could they be .... The journal of sexual medicine, 22789024.
- Ganzer CA, Jacobs AR, & Iqbal F. (2015). Persistent sexual, emotional, and cognitive impairment .... American journal of men's health, 24928450.
- Traish AM. (2020). Post-finasteride syndrome: a surmountable challenge for .... Fertility and sterility, 32033719.
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