Sexual Side Effects from Minoxidil?

I have used the 5% Minoxidil solution for nearly two years as directed, ie., twice a day. While it seems to have worked with my hair loss, it seems that my sex drive has waned. Also, when I do, it seems erections aren’t what they were before. I am 46 and in otherwise good health.

Are there any indications that long term use of Minoxidil (like I have used it) has any effect on either a male’s sex drive or erectial function? Thanks in advance.

There are no known sexual side effects from topical minoxidil (also known as Rogaine). This is a drug that has been around since the 1970s (it was originally a medication for high blood pressure) so its safety and side effect profile are pretty well known – even for patients who have been on it for decades. It does work to strengthen hair growth.

There are several other possible causes for loss of libido not least of which is the pervasive rumor that “hair loss medications” cause decreased sex drive. While decreased libido/erectile dysfuntion is a rare (+/- one percent) and temporary (1-3 days usually) side effect of Propecia, it does not occur with minoxidil use to our knowledge.

Finally, (for the rest of you readers out there) it bears repeating that human beings are highly suggestable – if you tell someone, man OR woman, that they might possibly have a side effect or if they even just THINK that they will have it, they will often manifest it for you. (It is often joked that this goes double for guys when it comes to their manly functions but both sexes will have this effect.)

Back to the original writer of this blog entry – this is not to say your symptoms are not real – I believe they are. If you persist in having significant symptoms of decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction, I’d HIGHLY recommend you talk about it with your doctor. In the meantime, I can reassure you that you may continue to use the minoxidil without fear that it is causing your symptoms.