After 8 Years on Finasteride, Could I Be Developing Side Effects?

Hello Dr. Rassman. First, congratulations for your awesome blog.

I would like to ask you about finasteride side effects. I’ve been taking finasteride since I was 19 years old (I’m 27 now)and I never had problems with its side effects. But,suddenly, I believe that I started to feel some sides: shorter lasting erections and a mild testicular pain. But, I notice that I don’t feel these sides all the time. Sometimes I have great sexual relations, without any problem, and don’t feel any testicular pain. Is this possible to happen? Start to feel a side effects after a long time taking the medicine? Does retarded effects exist?

Yes, sometimes the side effects may come on as you age. You should see a urologist (to be safe) about the testicular pain and the erection problems, as it’s possible that what you’re experiencing is unrelated to the drug.