Men taking finasteride for male pattern baldness or enlarged prostates may notice their libido is lower than normal. However, these side effects typically wear off after a few months of treatment.
In clinical trials involving the 1mg daily dose of finasteride for hair loss, men reported sexual side effects such as low libido and erectile dysfunction. These side effects can persist for 40 months after the drug has been stopped.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important when you take finasteride. This is because it can reduce the severity of side effects. In addition, eating a balanced diet can help you feel healthier overall. It is also recommended to eat foods that are high in vitamin and mineral content. You should also avoid consuming foods that are high in fat.
If you are experiencing sexual side effects while taking finasteride, it is important to talk to your doctor about them. They may be able to prescribe a lower dose of the medication or recommend other treatments for your libido issues.
It is important to remember that Finasteride’s sexual side effects are rare. In clinical studies, less than 2 percent of patients experienced erectile dysfunction or a decrease in libido while on the drug.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that Finasteride can interact with certain medications and natural supplements. Some of these interactions can lead to serious side effects, so it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications.
2. Exercise
One of the most important things you can do to increase libido while on finasteride is exercise. Research has shown that people who are more physically active have a higher libido than those who don’t. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day.
While you’re taking finasteride, you should also try to be more social and spend time with friends. Studies have shown that low sex drive is more likely to occur in individuals who experience loneliness or depression. If you’re experiencing low sex drive, consider seeing a therapist for a supportive environment to discuss your concerns and explore solutions.
Men who take finasteride often report a decrease in sex drive, but it’s not as common as many other side effects associated with this medication. During a four-year placebo-controlled study, the makers of Proscar and dutasteride reported that 3.7% of participants experienced a loss in semen volume, but this is rare. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) is a short questionnaire that helps determine whether you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction as a result of finasteride use.
3. Take a Supplement
Many men who take finasteride for pattern hair loss report that their libido decreases. This is due to the side effects of finasteride, but most of these symptoms disappear once the medication is stopped. If these sexual side effects persist, contact our doctors and they will help you determine the safest way to stop finasteride.
In the past, reports of finasteride-related sexual dysfunction were mostly anecdotal. But an evaluation of 71 patients conducted by George Washington University urologist Michael S. Irwig, MD, and Swapna Kolukula, RN, in 2011 revealed that long-term finasteride use is associated with low libido, erectile dysfunction, and problems reaching orgasm.
The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire called the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The ASEX includes five questions that are easy to understand, easy to score, and cover all major aspects of sexual function. Non-finasteride users completed the same questionnaire, but the questions did not reference finasteride.
The results of the study showed that finasteride-associated sexual dysfunction is real and is related to the lowering of testosterone levels. This is important because a decrease in libido could affect your sexual life, and may lead to relationship issues.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential to overall health. However, it is particularly important while on finasteride. This is because there is a chance that the drug’s side effects will affect your sleep. If you find that your libido is lower while on finasteride, try to get more sleep. This will help you feel more energized and may also mitigate the impact of the drug’s side effects on your libido.
It’s worth mentioning that while sexual side effects are rare, they can happen. These side effects include erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and ejaculation disorders. However, these side effects are not permanent. In fact, they usually go away after a few months. It is also important to note that the occurrence of these side effects may be related to a placebo effect. This is because patients who are misinformed or scared of the drug’s potential sexual side effects are more likely to experience these symptoms.
Regardless, it is crucial to talk to your doctor about these issues. They will be able to determine the best way to manage these side effects and help you achieve your hair loss treatment goals.
5. Avoid Alcohol
Whenever possible, avoid alcohol while on finasteride. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of side effects like a decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. It can also affect the way that your body metabolizes the medication. This can lead to higher than normal levels of the drug in your system and may be dangerous.
Finasteride users should always consult with their doctor before consuming any alcohol. They can recommend safe levels of alcohol that are compatible with the medication. It’s important to remember that a decreased libido isn’t something that is guaranteed with this medication. Men who have experienced this side effect in the past have found that it has improved with time.
Additionally, it is worth noting that patients who are misinformed or scared about Finasteride’s potential sexual side effects are more likely to experience them. This is known as the placebo effect and can have a dramatic impact on how a patient experiences their medication. It’s also worth noting that these sexual side effects can be lessened or even eliminated if the dosage is lowered.
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