Propecia Side Effects Secrets

Propecia Side Effects

A very popular medication in recent years used to treat male pattern baldness is a medication known as Propecia, or sometimes by its generic name of Finasteride.  While it may seem like a miracle drug for males who are losing their hair at far too young of an age, before beginning the drug regimen, it is important to be aware of the potential Propecia side effects.  The adverse effects of the medication may vary in severity and be tolerable to some, but the potential for serious complications warrants a better understanding of the potential downside to using this medication that for most is not required for a healthy and happy life.

Propecia side effects are covered in a wide range from sexual side effects, birth defects when taken by women who are pregnant, prostate cancer and male breast cancer.  Any of the Propecia side effects is likely to be far more concerning on its own than a lifetime without hair.

Sexual side effects

For instance, sexual side effects in males can include erectile dysfunction (ED), and decreased libido.  These symptoms can be long lasting, even after use of the drug has been discontinued.  In some cases, erectile dysfunction may be irreversible.  The chance of needing seperate treatment for a serious condition such as ED, may seriously impact interest in a medication for baldness.  Decreased libido can be managed as well, but these two Propecia side effects are understandably enough to offer serious pause to most males, regardless of age.

While the drug is commonly prescribed to men, it is on occasion prescribed for women as well.  While women can dodge some of the Propecia side effects males experience, very few would be willing to jeopardize the health of their unborn child.  For males, it is also possible that Propecia may pass through semen, which would then expose his partner during the process of conception.  While it is not clear whether this is a serious problem, it is still a cause for concern.

Finally, the issue of an increased likelihood of male breast cancer and prostate cancer.  Prostate cancer is common and as men age, their chances of developing prostate cancer rise naturally.  In general, prostate cancer is slow moving and treatable, but Propecia may increase the risk even further than natural.  Adding in the potential for male breast cancer brings the list of Propecia side effects to a precarious peak.

Some may be able to scoff and brush off certain side effects as manageable and avoidable.  For instance, a bachelor who has no plans for children in the immediate future may not worry about whether Propecia passes through his semen and could expose the newly fertilized embryo that would eventually become his baby.  However, once the rest of the Propecia side effects are added up, the medication may not seem as attractive of a treatment option any longer.

It is easy to allow vanity to rule decisions, and there is nothing wrong with it, but understanding the risks is important in the decision making process.  While losing one’s hair may be bothersome and a crush to a person’s self image, it may not be worth ignoring the potential severity of the Propecia side effects.