Is ED from Propecia Permanent?

Dr. Rassman,

I was on propecia for about 6 weeks over the summer and experienced erectile dysfunction while on the medication so I decided to stop taking it. 3 months after stopping the medication I am still experiencing erectile dysfunction, and prior to taking propecia I did not have this problem. The dermatologist that prescribed me propecia said that the side effects of propecia will go away shortly after stopping the medication, and I am beginning to wonder if this is really true.

Have you have ever had a patient who has experienced permanent sexual side effects from taking propecia? There is no doubt that propecia greatly helps people suffering from hair loss, but do we really have a clear grasp of the side effects of this drug?

Sometimes finasteride can bring out an ‘under the cover’ case of erectile dysfunction (ED) that would have happened anyway. Best to see your doctor for an assessment of ED as this is unlikely the side effect of the drug this far out. There have been a number of published studies on this medication, coupled with my own experience in talking to patients, which is why I believe we do have an understanding of the side effect potential. As for permanent side effects — not in any of my patients. If you rely on random anonymous web forums, I’m sure there are many posts out there that will tell you the opposite.