Propecia's Side Effects

by Bradley
(Australia)

Is Propecia Safe?

Is Propecia Safe?

I would advise men who are thinking of taking this to be very aware of the side effects of Propecia which is most commonly the loss of libido (interest in sex) and erection problems. I experienced these problems first hand and I would like to share it with you!!

I, like many men in their early thirties had a high sex drive. After taking Propecia for about 6 months I started to not really want sex as much and had trouble maintaining a strong erection. I had no trouble "getting it up" as they say but my erection was not as hard as usual and quite often it went away altogether mid-way through having sex with my wife. I'd never had this problem before I started taking Propecia. This is extremely stressful for any men and their partner to have to go through and it’s definitely very embarrassing too!

After doing some research I found out that many other men had fallen victim to these side effects. There are a lot more sufferers than the makers of Propecia (Merck & Co.) will admit to! After further research I found that if you take a supplement such as Tribulus or Saw Palmetto (or both together) it stopped the sexual side effects or at-least minimised the sexual side effects of Propecia. And they are natural so they may be a better option than Viagra or Cialis which is just pumping more synthetic chemicals into your body.
I advise that if you take Propecia and get the side effects I have mentioned then please either stop taking it immediately or try taking the supplements that I have suggested. Be careful and use your common sense when it comes to dosage and seek medical advice before combining these medicines or using them with any other medications.

And NO! I'm not a Doctor or Dermatologist. I'm just a bloke with a receding hair line hoping to help educate those who may be looking at using Propecia.

Good luck with whatever treatment you choose :)

Editor’s Comments,

Dear Bradley,

Thank you for your concern for men using Propecia. I am not an advocate or promoter for Propecia but I have been using it for almost 6 years now and I would like to share my view of this drug.

Firstly I totally understand your thoughts and experiences on the side effects of this potent drug. This drug indeed can cause some very problematic side effects to a select few (<2%) who use it and in some extreme cases, it can even affect your sexual life. Some of the notably possible side effects listed include decreased libido, an inability to maintain an erection and even possible breast enlargements (caused by reduction of male hormones)

All these outcome will shed fear in most men considering using this drug to treat hair loss but I must also stress that these side effects do not occur to everyone and the severity of these symptoms vary from each individual. I have numerous friends that are currently undergoing this medication for a period of time already and most of them do not complain of any real side effects. However one of them did mention about lesser interest in sex. Maybe he is not really into it? I really don’t know but as for me, I have yet to face any sexual side effects from my every day usage of Propecia so far and hopefully it will stay that way.

Another possible reason could be psychological. As most men fear that taking this medication will cause side effects, out of fear and loss of confidence they might subconsciously cause these sexual problems to occur to themselves unnoticeably. Our mind is a very powerful entity and it can definitely dictate how our body behaves. Therefore, sometimes it may be the person’s own thoughts of fear and lack of self assurance that is actually amplifying the problem at hand.

Whatever it is, Propecia IS NOT for everyone and it’s fairly important that everyone knows the potential side effects of this medication before using it. If it’s something mild, there won’t be a need for a doctor’s prescription in the first place. Although most of the side effects are reported to occur to less than 1.8% of the test group, I strongly advise that anyone facing any symptoms should STOP taking this medication immediately or consult your doctor on whether to continue this medication.

You also mentioned that herbs like Saw Palmetto can actually use to treat Male Pattern Baldness safer than Propecia. This herb has long already been associated with benefits in fighting Male Pattern Baldness but do bear in mind that Saw Palmetto also works the same but in a less effective way like Propecia, which is inhibiting the DHT that causes hair loss. Thus, I can also say that if it works the same way, the side effects should also be similar, but just in a lesser amount compared to Propecia (because it’s not as effective as it). So I do also advice exercising caution when consuming Saw Palmetto as might lead to negative effects too.

There is no denying that Propecia is indeed a potent medication and most men are very skeptical about using this hair loss treatment for a very long period of time but sad to say, it’s still one of the only two FDA approved that can help stop and even reverse Male Pattern Baldness.

Now, most people say that if it’s FDA approved means it should be safe right? Well, yes technically you can say that it’s safe and effective on treating the symptoms of the condition but it doesn’t mean it’s free from side effects. As with most medications, approved or not, whatever it is from a simple Paracetamol to a Cancer fighting drug, all can potentially cause side effects. This is simply because medications manipulate your body and in return, there will be reaction from it. So you should be prepared to know what is going to happen in every medication that you take.

Still, if you are one of the 40% guys who are losing their hair due to Male Pattern Baldness, there are actually really very little reliable choices out there that really can make things better. As for me, I will continue to take Propecia for as long as I can while hoping that one day, there will indeed be a better and more effective solution for Male Pattern Baldness that does not need me to risk the side effects and popping pills throughout my life. I am going to keep as much hair as I managed to grow from Propecia since I have already taken it for so long already and maybe one day, new techniques like Hair Cloning will save the day (and yours too) All the best to you in your fight against hair loss!

Comments for
Propecia's Side Effects

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
No more thinking about taking propecia
by: 23 yo guy

I am a 23 yo guy with hair loss which started a year ago. I thought of taking propecia and consulted some doctors, they said - go ahead. Instead I applied only minoxidil, and guess what, I faced a RARE side effect from that only, namely diarrhoea.

I stopped it, but the kind of a looks-obsessed ba***rd that I am, I have started thinking about taking propecia, even after reading about the side effects. After reading these painful experiences,I think that it's better to get paid sex, or get sex some other way (maybe, by becoming a part-time hooker or something), if I want to satisfy my sex urges without the sexual insecurity that MIGHT (many bald men are happier than other non-bald ones) come with baldness, rather than being on the lookout for these horrible symptoms.

Better to enjoy the night having crazy sex with some woman and do good work at office the next day than staying awake with insomnia throughout the night, and dragging yourself at the workplace.




Apr 29, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Taking Propecia for 10 Years
by: Anonymous

I am 41 and have been taking Propecia for over 10 years. I have had NONE of the negative side effects and have actually experienced what the drug was made for -- It grows and retains my hair!

Male pattern hair loss runs in my family, my brothers, dad, grandfathers, etc., etc., are all bald... Except me!

I don't relish having to take a pill everyday for the rest of my life and keep hoping that something better (and more permanent) will come along. But until that happens, I will stick to what is proven and what has worked well for me.

Feb 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Its work 100% in both negative and positive ways
by: jon

My case is bit different .Just it was my 4th day on Propecia 1 mg and I have seen my hair loss was completely zero and I was so happy as I lost only 1 cms of hairs from the hair line. I thought I will continue this for my whole life and I will never lose my hairs any more in future.

But on the same day also experienced its side effects . Difficulty in getting erection and even after getting hard it was back to the position in few seconds. its look like there was no link between my testicles and my body , just they were hanging low ,I was shocked after seeing all this side effects in just 4 days and I'm writing this email on the same day and I'm planning to stop taking it from today even I got the supply for 6 months I am only scared that I wil be back to normal in next few days or not ( sure I will reply)

I will thank god that I have seen these side effects in just short period of time.

One more thing as merck & co say that on 2% people had side effects ,Now I realise that Its completely untrue ....no I feel my sex life is more important than my hairs Its really em brassing .

guys If you are taking this pill make sure you take any small side effect very seriously ,so that you can stop taking it as soon as possible.

Feb 19, 2010
Rating
starstar
Fine so far
by: Ryan

I've been on it for 6 months man and I can see my hairs are starting to grow back up again! I am 26 and late norwood 3 but this drug is really doing wonders for me.

Kinda worried about the side effects that most people mentioned but ain't nothing till now and hopefully it doesn't happen to everyone!

Feb 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar
Propecia: The Lie
by: 26toHell

I was a healthy and happy 19 year old. Took Propecia and developed sudden, inexplicable anxiety attacks, significant cognitive impairment, and my penis became numb. This grew into long-term sexual dysfunction and what we refer to as "brain fog" (forgetfulness, confusion) years thereafter. I'm 23 and these side effects have made my life extremely difficult. Furthermore, I now know, thanks to many other men at propeciahelp dot com, that it directly inhibits a crucial neurosteroid for relaxation and mood, something Merck casually ignored.

If you wish to throw your entire life away, including your ability to cognitively speak, experience life, and be healthy, go ahead and take Propecia. There's a very real, documented chance that you will have long-term, unresolved side effects that will greatly compromise your quality of life to a squabbling wimper. Cheers.

Feb 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
half destroyed life
by: Andre

I think it is extremely important to display the Propecia side effects.
It has simply messed up all my life since I took it. First of all, I should say that I was a bit depressed in my teens, but I also knew how to handle with my feelings. I used to read a lot and I was very good to memorise words, numbers, ideas, quotes and etc.
When I started taking Propecia in 2005, I was 22, I could not be able to choose future plans, carrer, because I was became kind of bipolar, crying and laughing for minor issues. I could not concentrate on my studies, I got very sensitive to the sunlight, insomnia and I lost my interest in sex. I could make sex, but not like before taking Propecia. However, I never imagined that it could be caused by that horrid drug. I thought I became naturaly like that because there couldn't be any other reason, since I always had a wonderful health, practicing exercises and eating very well for ages, never taking any pill but Finasteride. I am Brazilian and we dont take pills for everything like Americans. So, I am sure that it could only be that drug causing so much mess in my ability to concentrate and to my emotions.
I believe I can still have normal erections (without big interest in sex like before) due to my healthy lifestyle maybe, because I guess I could be in the huge group of men that now are totally or almost impotent if I smoked, for example. In short, I just came to know about the side effects of this drug when I found the website www.propeciasideeffects.com this week.
Thank to this website and the forum in it I could decide stop taking propecia immediately. I will find anoter way to keep my black power hair, or I can even shave it after so many years, but I will never put this rubbish in my mouth again and I strongly advise you to not do so.

Feb 03, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar
my brothers have tried it
by: Anonymous

it has been effective for my brothers... i ordered it form them in ***snipped***... and i do see some improvements in them...

Jan 16, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Using Propecia for 9 years!
by: Bill

I've been using propecial 1mg for 9 years now. I may say that the drug was very effective concerning the hair loss while in terms of side effects I experienced almost zero. I probably had some side effects such as breast tenderness or slight enlargement, decreased amount of semen and kind of watery sperm however I cannot say 100% that this comes from the drug. For example the reduced amount of semen in the ejaculation and the watery semen may also result from the daily sexual activity I maintained for a period of those 9 years. So due to my fear that the drug could cause some sexual dysfunction I decide daily checking so for almost 365 a year for a period of those 9 years I had either intercourse or masturbation daily at least once or more times per day. I noticed that not only the sexual desire did not decrease but it increased even more than before taking propecia. Conclusion is that I may had some side effects (not 100% sure) that did not disturbed me. However my only concern to be honest is what propecia could harm which is not visible like some hormones which are produced and are related to the brain and stress response such as Allopregnanolone which is produced through 5-Alpha-Reductase then one that propecia blocks. So the invisible side effects are the ones that scare me in the long run.

Good Luck to everyone using Propecia!

Jan 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstar
Propecia robbed me of my penis
by: martinM

Saying that side effects appear in <2% of men is ignorant. This statistic comes from a short-term MERCK study of a limited number of men prescreened. Why trust the FDA approval? It is after all a MONOPOLY.

Some men can reduce the primary hormone that makes them male without much problem. Many others cannot. I've been off for close to 2 years and have yet to start losing hair again. There have been so many negative changes to my body I cannot begin to mention them (they are listed at propeciahelp.com).

Do yourself a favor. If you read this and still choose to go on Finasteride get a full range of hormonal and liver blood profiles before you start, after you've been on, and after you stop, and you will stop when you realize your Testosterone jumps to a supra state, your liver is working overtime, and you don't feel yourself. Then watch your testosterone stay low after you stop...and you spend all your time trying to fix how you feel and are willing to trade all your hair to feel normal again...


Oct 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstar
Propecia is Fine for Me!
by: Anonymous

Been on Propecia for almost 4 years and I didn't notice any side effects that is worth worrying about! I know that there are people who use the drug might face with some side effects, but I guess not everyone will.

For me I am quite happy because the drug does grow hair (that is the main point!) and I am not married yet but I do hope to use it for another 5-6 years before I think it's time to let my hair fall.


Oct 07, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
This stuff will give you brainfog
by: Anonymous

I stopped taking finpecia about a month ago after reading in a forum of some of the lesser known side effects of propecia/finpecia. After beginning to go bald in high school, I decided to take action by starting on propecia. I took this stuff for almost 20 years. It worked great, it was like my hair was glued to my head. Anyway, i read the forums, and its true. THIS STUFF CAUSES BRAINFOG, make no mistake. The good news is things started to get better for me after a few weeks, and I'm definatly thinking a whole lot clearer these days. I threw my two 100 pack supplies right in the garbage and will never touch this stuff again. Sayonora baby! No my hair is once again falling out, and Im back to clogging the shower drains. Its just like old times. But who cares, I'm married now and I've accepted the fact that I'm going to go bald...but I'll never have a combover! Merck should be sued for lack of disclosure on this.

Sep 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Propecia can kill your soul
by: Tod

There is a lot more to the side effects of finasteride (propecia) than what any of the online marketing and disinformation tw-ts will tell you.

Any subtle suggestion that, "yes, there are risks with Propecia as there are risks with all drugs" is a blatant, immoral understatement of the issue of Propecia's side effects.

No matter who you are or whether you think you can overcome these side effects or not, you ought to stop thinking about Propecia NOW and try topical treatments instead.

It's a simple fact that the class of drugs which finasteride (propecia) falls under are known to inhibit sexual function in mammals. But, believe me, your shrinking penis and testes will become the lesser of your concerns as time passes by while experiencing the prolonged side effects during and ESPECIALLY AFTER Propecia usage. For some of us, there has been NO RECOVERY, poor sleep, low appetite, depression, disinterest in sex, coversation, brain fog, memory loss, etc. etc.

Aug 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar
It works
by: Anonymous

it worked fine for me...but then of course the side effects can be quite difficult to deal with, in my case totally uninterested in sex. here's what i did and it seems to work fine! get that horny goat weed, it really made a difference, i just started taking propecia, so we'll see if it stays like this. in my opinion shouldn't be a problem because this herb doesn't elevate testosterone levels, which would beat the purpose, but I didn't do a lot of research, so far it's working, it's natural and makes me feel like king kong lol!

Jul 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Buy Propecia Clinically Proven Hair Loss Treatment Pill Online
by: Stefen Arkinson

Propecia Finasteride by Merck is FDA approved medicine for baldness. Propecia is available online on prescription. Buy Propecia Finasteride hair loss treatment pill online on prescription with free home delivery in UK.

Jul 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Propecia is terrible
by: Me

The problem with Propecia is not the side effect when taking it, it is that it continues AFTER you stop taking it.

Even after you stop taking it you can have sexual problems, years after this continues.

Please if you are thinking of taking Propecia, google Propecia side effects. It can permanently effect your ability to perform.
This coming from a healthy 29 year old male who exercises and took that stuff for a year. I still have big problems even after quitting it 2 years ago.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Propecia





Free Newsletter

Survive It Small





What's Your Opinion?


Did You Know..
You Can Share Your Hair Loss Story with Us?

Find stories and tips from hair loss sufferers just like yourself. This is the place to open up and share!
More Info

Featured Story

Hair Loss Stories

A Case of Telogen Effluvium
I'm a 22 year old male who was diagnosed with TE about a month ago. 3 weeks before my diagnosis I suddenly noticed I could see more of my scalp when I got out of the shower...
Read More


Sponsors

HairLossSpecialists.com is a leading resource of information on hair restoration. Find out about hair transplant cost, read patient testimonies and find a hair transplant doctor in your area today!



Ummyeah
Ummyeah Directory


We Support Locks of Love

All information on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes and is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or advice.

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

Copyright © 2008-2010 Surviving-Hairloss.com. All Rights Reserved.