A new medical study published this month in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that the use of Propecia (finasteride) may cause persistent sexual dysfunction and impotence in some men who take the medication. The study, by George Wahington University researchers, demonstrated that a subset of men that took Propecia (finasteride) had continued sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire and libido, even after stopping the medication. This new study is one of the first to look at the long-term effects of the use of Propecia (finasteride) even after patients stop the medication.

What was interesting about the study is that the sexual dysfunction was found in younger men (age 21 to age 46) who were taking the medication for cosmetic reasons (prevention of hair loss). The sexual dysfunction may be due to blockage of the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to the more bio-active form of dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme

Watch some of the comments by Dr. Michael Irwig, the lead researcher from George Washington University discuss some of the study’s findings.