According to recent reports, the popular hair growth treatment Propecia (finasteride), causes permanent sexual side effects.

Sexual side effects of Propecia were originally thought to be temporary, and could be stopped simply by discontinuing the treatment.

However, men are reporting that erectile dysfunction and other Propecia complications persist even after discontinuation of the drug.

Background on Propecia

Propecia was originally approved to treat male pattern baldness in 1998. The potential side effects associated with Propecia include decreased libido and disturbed sexual function. However, these side effects were shown in a majority of research to be temporary, and could be reversed when the drug is withdrawn.

New reports based on patient questionnaires indicate that Propecia’s sexual side effects may be permanent rather than temporary. These permanent sexual complications can also lead to depressive symptoms and even suicidal thoughts. It is still unclear how common these more permanent Propecia sexual side effects can be.

The reports that raised concerns of potentially long-term sexual side effects associated with Propecia are not conclusive studies. A number of medical professionals and scientists are looking further into research that could bring this information together more conclusively.

Most of the literature revolving around Propecia shows the resolution of sexual side effects when the drug is stopped, but some studies show a slight risk of more long-term issues.

However, because of these new studies where patients reported via questionnaire some more permanent sexual side effects, work must still be done to determine how problematic this issue really is.

FDA Takes Charge

In response to user reports, the FDA changed Propecia’s adverse reaction labels in April 2012 to read: “Reproductive System: Sexual dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment.” The possible sexual side effects listed include erectile dysfunction, libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders.

The recent reexamination of potential Propecia sexual side effects and their potential to have a long-term or even permanent impact on a Propecia user seems to have turned up very little evidence.

Instead, these studies have come up with results similar to those that led to the original FDA approval in 1998. So far, studies continue to indicate that the drug is both safe and effective for men to use in treating male pattern baldness.

Despite the lack of medical and scientific evidence supporting the idea that Propecia usage can result in permanent sexual side effects, the fact that numerous patients have reported such long-lasting side effects must be taken into account.

The medical community and the public should both be aware of these potentialities, so that the risks and benefits of Propecia are always extremely clear to all parties.

Sexual problems such as those experienced as Propecia side effects can be emotionally draining for patients. Persistent sexual side effects, especially dysfunction that continues after the use of the drug is over, can damage personal relationships and quality of life.

If you or someone you know has taken Procepia or finasteride and developed sexual side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation disorder, you may be able to file an individual Propecia sexual side effects lawsuit, or join a Propecia sexual side effects class action lawsuit.