Are you considering finasteride for hair loss? You might want to think twice! A 70-year-old man recently shared his shocking experience after taking this popular medication.

After five years on finasteride, he experienced serious sexual side effects: erectile dysfunction, rare ejaculation, low semen volume, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction. Even high doses of sildenafil—150 mg, which is triple the standard dose—failed to help him regain his sexual prowess.

Upon reading a column discussing the potential side effects of finasteride, he immediately stopped taking the drug. Fortunately, he has seen some revival in his erections after switching back to a lower dose, but his sexual satisfaction and semen volume remain troublingly low.

This begs the question: How long will these side effects linger? Doctor Roach notes that reports vary widely—ranging from as little as three months to as much as 40 months. Is there a chance these adverse effects are underreported? It seems so! While only about 1.5% of men typically report sexual side effects in studies, some research shows that the numbers might be as high as 7% to 8%.

Finasteride works by blocking a key enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the culprit behind prostate expansion and certain types of hair loss in men. Although it can lower prostate cancer risk and is often used by men dealing with baldness, it’s important to weigh the potential trade-offs.

Dr. Roach assures that finasteride's effects don’t last long—about eight hours—compared to dutasteride, which can linger for weeks. However, while many who stop taking finasteride see improvements, a significant number report lingering issues that don't clear up with time.

In a related note, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of dementia and depression linked to these medications. While a study suggests that dementia risk is minimal, depression has been noted, typically resolving within three days to three months after discontinuation.

With all this information, men considering finasteride would do well to discuss these potential side effects before jumping in. Have questions or experiences to share? Reach out!