A research team from Boston University found additional evidence that finasteride may significantly increase the chances of sexual dysfunction even when compared to other prostate enlargement treatment drugs.

The study published in the most recent issue of the medical journal Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation stated that the favorite drug in treating enlarged prostates is most likely to cause erectile dysfunction.

Conducted by Boston University’s Urology department, researchers studied two groups of men who were treated with prostate enlargement drugs and studied the side effects of both medications.

The study analyzed approximately 700 men who were categorized based on which drug they were prescribed. According to the data, 470 men were prescribed finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, while the other 230 men had received the alpha blocker tamsulosin (Flomax), for their benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Both groups were followed for 45 months and were observed to see if their BPH improved, and if they were suffering any side effects like testosterone deficiency.

The quality of life was also taken into account for these symptoms, measured by the Aging Male Symptom scale, while any sexual dysfunction complications was analyzed by the International Index of Erectile Function. The results of the study indicate that patients who were prescribed finasteride had significantly decreased testosterone levels and had suffered several sexual dysfunction complications, like erectile dysfunction.

While there were patients who shared similar effects from tamsulosin, they difference in occurrence rate was significantly higher in finasteride.

Due to how important these drugs are to the male population, the researchers state it is important for drug companies to spell out the risks on the drugs’ labels. The researchers explain that the point of the study was to show how serious these sexual dysfunction complications are, as well as how common they are.

Overview of Propecia Complications

Finasteride is most popularly sold under the trade names Proscar and Propecia to treat enlarged prostates and male pattern baldness. The drug works by manipulating the hormone balance in the body.

However, this can lead to men suffering complications associated with sexual dysfunction and testosterone levels so low it is comparable to hypogonadism, where no sex hormones are produced at all.

While the drug can stop hair loss, the hormone for causing hair loss is also linked to testosterone. Finasteride also compromises the structure of the nerves and signal pathways of the penis, and around the connective tissue.

This revelation has been devastating for numerous men across the country who not only suffer from enlarged prostates, but also male-pattern baldness. When Propecia was first released in 1997, over 400,000 men suffering from hair loss signed up for a prescription, after hearing that finasteride blocks the hormone primarily responsible for hair loss.

Immediately, users reported suffering sexual dysfunction complications including erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, and decreased libido.

Initially, Merck & Co. and the FDA assured patients that these complications will resolve themselves after stopping either Propecia or Proscar. But later evidence indicated otherwise.

Users reported having difficulty getting and maintaining an erection for months, and seemed to suffer from persistent low sexual desire or interest. Many former users of finasteride have chosen to file legal action against Merck & Co., alleging the company did not warn them about the side effects.