Is Erectile Dysfunction A Side Effect Of Finasteride?

Posted on Fri, 2 Dec 2016

Question: I am on Finasteride to reduce the size of my Prostate and help me with BPH. I know erectile dysfuntion is a side affect and i am certainly experiencing that. Two questions. 1. Once i quit taking it will my prostate stay at the reduced size? And 2. Ive been told my sexual function will return once i quit taking the drug. Is that true?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You will have normal erection on quiting Finasteride .

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for query .

You have been taking Finasteride for BPH and facing problem of Erectile Dysfunction

I would like to make comments on your query as detailed below -

1) Enlargement of Prostate is a progressive disease and is kept under control as long as one takes these drugs i.e. 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. It will grow again after you stop taking the drug

2)Your ED will get resolved and will have normal erection after you stop taking the drug. It generally takes a week to get normal erection

I would suggest you to take newer drug like Cialis (Tadalfil) 5 mg every day and 10-20 mg on the day of planned sexual activities along with Dutasteride once daily .

This combination works better and helps to have normal erection and take care of voiding urinary symptoms and improve urine flow due to BPH.

Hope I have answered your query .Feel free to ask if you have more questions . I shall be happy to help you .

Thanking you with Regards.
Dr.Patil.

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee