Finasteride use in androgenic alopecia does not cause sexual dysfunction

Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor which is widely used to treat male type hair loss. However, it is believed to cause sexual dysfunction. A recent study has demonstrated that finasteride does not cause sexual dysfunction in men with Androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study was publshed in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, JEADV

Male type of hair loss is androgenic in nature. Therefore anti-androgens such as finasteride are useful in the management of the condition. It is thought that any drug which interferes with the action of androgens may induce impotence. Prior studies have shown that Finasteride may interfere with testosterone and dihydrotestosterone which may lead to sexual dysfunction. However, many investigators believe that side effects of 5α-RIs will disappear with continuous treatment.

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The study intended to investigate and evaluate the presence of sexual dysfunction in men using finasteride or not using finasteride due to the debate concerning its sexual side effects.

The investigators conducted a survey with adult male alopecia patients visiting the dermatologist's office. They were asked to complete the survey including a modified version of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) to assess the presence of sexual dysfunction with and without finasteride use. The data were collected from 762 men aged between 18 to 82 which included 663 users and 99 non-finasteride users.

After the evaluation of the data, the investigators found that there was no significant difference between finasteride users and non-user controls in reporting sexual dysfunction using the ASEX. Regression analysis indicated that self-reporting libido loss and reduced sexual performance, not finasteride use, predict a higher ASEX score.

The investigators concluded that sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia may be less prevalent than is publicized. Sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia may be less prevalent than is publicized.

To read more about the study click on the link

https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15548