June 2018 in “Evidence-Based Practice” Finasteride can double the risk of sexual problems like ejaculation issues, low libido, and impotence.
May 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride and dutasteride increase sexual dysfunction reports.
14 citations
,
January 2001 in “Primary Care Update for Ob/gyns” Primary care doctors should address female sexual dysfunctions to improve women's sexual health and life quality.
9 citations
,
July 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Hair loss drugs like finasteride may cause lasting sexual and mood side effects, and more research is needed to understand these risks.
8 citations
,
October 2021 in “The international journal of risk and safety in medicine” The document sets criteria for diagnosing long-term sexual dysfunctions caused by certain medications.
5 citations
,
July 2016 in “Canadian Urological Association journal” Hair loss in women linked to higher sexual dysfunction risk.
April 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks” Many women experience sexual dysfunction, but few seek help, and better treatment and medical training are needed.
January 2020 in “Advances in Sexual Medicine” Female pattern hair loss does not significantly affect sexual dysfunction.
75 citations
,
February 2016 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Androgens play a role in female sexual function, and testosterone therapy can help women with low sexual desire, but more research is needed on treatments and long-term safety.
54 citations
,
May 2018 in “International journal of risk & safety in medicine” Antidepressants, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and isotretinoin can cause long-lasting sexual dysfunction.
19 citations
,
September 2016 in “Pharmacotherapy” Finasteride for hair loss increases risk of long-lasting sexual dysfunction.
11 citations
,
April 2023 in “Annals of General Psychiatry” Serotonergic antidepressants can significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and have a small risk of causing irreversible sexual dysfunction.
4 citations
,
June 2025 in “Current Urology Reports” New BPH treatments have low sexual dysfunction risk but may not improve urinary symptoms as much as traditional surgery.
January 2026 in “Pharmaceutical journal/The pharmaceutical journal” Finasteride and dutasteride now have stronger warnings for psychiatric and sexual side effects.
Lithium can cause sexual issues, hair loss, and skin problems, with some treatments available but needing more research.
November 2022 in “Hair transplant forum international” Finasteride does not cause sexual dysfunction in men with hair loss.
100 citations
,
July 2004 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and prolactin play complex roles in female sexual function, with testosterone potentially improving sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction. However, more research is needed to establish safe and effective hormone treatments for female sexual dysfunction.
46 citations
,
January 2008 in “Climacteric” Testosterone therapy can help improve sexual desire and function in postmenopausal women but may cause side effects and is not FDA-approved for this use.
2 citations
,
May 2017 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” Topical minoxidil 5% can cause erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
April 2022 in “The Journal of Urology” Men may experience long-term sexual dysfunction after stopping Finasteride.
90 citations
,
December 2007 in “Current Oncology” Non-hormonal treatments should be used first for sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors, with hormones as a second option.
40 citations
,
April 2018 in “Endocrine” PFS and PSSD are similar conditions with persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping medication.
20 citations
,
September 2019 in “Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences” SSRI antidepressants can cause long-lasting sexual problems.
9 citations
,
November 2018 in “International Journal of Medical Reviews” Young men's sexual dysfunction often has physical causes, which can lead to stress and worsen the problem.
3 citations
,
April 2019 in “Journal of psychosexual health” Women with PCOS often have sexual problems, and treating these issues early can improve satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs.
2 citations
,
March 2004 in “Reviews in Gynaecological Practice” Hormonal changes and psychological issues can cause sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Behavioral therapy is recommended first, with hormone replacement helping some symptoms but not libido. Testosterone can improve libido, but its effects on overall sexual function are unclear. Emotional and relationship issues should be addressed before using medication, and the benefits and risks of testosterone supplementation should be considered.
5 citations
,
July 2023 in “Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders” June 2025 in “International Journal of Dermatology”
April 2018 in “The Journal of Urology” Dutasteride use can lead to a stable decline in sexual function that is not affected by age or prostate size.
May 2022 in “Endocrine Abstracts” Finasteride may cause sexual dysfunction by reducing epinephrine levels.