Immediate sexual side effects of Finasteride - will it go away?

[zeion]

Hello everyone, I'm new here.

I'm 23 and have started taking 1mg generic finasteride (Sandoz) for the past 3 days. I'm already feeling a dramatic change in libido and being able to have and maintain an erection. I also feel occasional soreness in my testicles.

Now I just wanted to ask if any of you have similar experiences? And if these effects will go away if I stay on the drug?



Also on the side, just had a few more things to ask if its ok:

1) Are there proven ways to make minoxidil more effective? I've read about using sebum removers and carrier lotion?

2) What about hair concealers? Would you recommend to use any at all?

Thanks a lot!

[Jagster]

I have been taking finasteride for two weeks or so. I noticed decreased libido and erectile dysfunction almost immediately just as you did. Even though it hasn't returned to pre-finasteride levels, my libido has partially returned already. Whether it will fully return remains to be seen. My understanding is that such side-effects do go away for many men eventually as the body adjusts (maybe after a month, maybe two), although for some it does not.

I would stick with it for at least a month to see how it goes. To be honest, I found decreased libido to be a bit refreshing. My mind isn't constantly being bombarded with thoughts of sex. On the negative side, it can make life less exciting.

[Philbert]

Mind over matter buddy. A lot of people psych themselves out from reading so much crap on these forums and sites that it just occurs. Try staying off these sites for a couple weeks and forget about it, then try to figure it out.

[zeion]

Mind over matter buddy. A lot of people psych themselves out from reading so much crap on these forums and sites that it just occurs. Try staying off these sites for a couple weeks and forget about it, then try to figure it out.

So you're saying that I'm feeling this way because of all the things I read online and not because of the drug?

[Notbaldyet]

don't be in denial

people who say 'mind over matter' and etc are in denial that there is a problem. its a no brainer - you're taking a medication which suppresses the production of a major male hormone. most men lose hair. this medication stops this in many (if not most) men. so, do you really think that a medication, which is designed to block male hormones, which is so powerful that it will stop a natural process like hairloss in most men will not stop other 'natural processes'? anyway, the research is already out - propecia causes erectile dysfunction. its not in your head. thats a fact. now you take this medication at your own peril.

[mothernature]

then theres people on the other end of the anti propecia bandwagon like above^^ been on propecia (im 24) for a month and a half with no side effects but I'm not sure if its working im still seeing hairs on my desk

[Notbaldyet]

mothernature

the bandwagon will stop one day (probably soon) and the facts will come out. i personally think there is enough evidence already to say that there is no bandwagon anymore (ie its no longer opinion). the question is, when the bandwagon stops, do you want to be the one who finds out that in fact this medicine causes side effects in a large minority of men (?30%?), most of whom were in denial because they were so desperate to keep their hair, and that it is even possible that some of these side effects may persist for a very long time? and that anybody who was ever exposed to finasteride may be at risk in the future for early onset of ED?

[mothernature]

i agree, and the case needs to be taken up to Merck for possible false advertisement and perhaps with the FDA

[zeion]

stopped

OP here.

I personally don't think its worth sacrificing my sexual pleasure (and potentially other health matters) for a few strands of hair that are not even guaranteed to come... So I've stopped taking the finasteride for the past few days and I can say I feel fine now. Still using minoxidil though.

[stylus187]

the bandwagon will stop one day (probably soon) and the facts will come out. i personally think there is enough evidence already to say that there is no bandwagon anymore (ie its no longer opinion). the question is, when the bandwagon stops, do you want to be the one who finds out that in fact this medicine causes side effects in a large minority of men (?30%?), most of whom were in denial because they were so desperate to keep their hair, and that it is even possible that some of these side effects may persist for a very long time? and that anybody who was ever exposed to finasteride may be at risk in the future for early onset of ED?

Very well said!!!!!!