I Can’t Get an Erection After 2 Weeks on Propecia

Dr, please respond to this email I am in desperate need of help. Im a 21 year old with a rapidly receding hairline. I was prescribed propecia and and took it for 2 weeks. I know it seems impossible but after a week on it I almost completely lost my ability to get an erection, both during sex and masturbation. When I finally get one it is extremely weak and doesnt last long. This has never in my life been a problem before. I’ve been off the medication for 3 weeks and the problem has not resolved itself. What can I do?

I can understand the desperation, but I highly suggest you go back to your prescribing doctor to help manage the problem. Sexual side effects occur rarely (1 to 2 percent), and many men can manage the process with their doctors including reducing the dose, or by stopping it to study what happens when the drug is withdrawn. Many times this side effect will go away over a month or so. If your libido is there, then drugs like Viagra may help while you try to work through the problem with your doctor.

I realize the Internet is filled with strange side effect stories. The strength of some of the most prolific campaigns to predict loss of libido or erectile dysfunction can become highly suggestive for the young reader of these bulletin boards.