Which Hair Loss Pills Have Been Linked to Erectile Dysfunction?
Not every hair loss pill is linked to ED — and much of the research is still evolving. It’s important to speak to your doctor about what types of hair loss pills may be best for you based on your health history, existing conditions, and concerns.
“As with any long-term therapy, shared decision-making and regular monitoring ensure patients maintain both confidence and safety throughout treatment,” says Dr. Houman.
Finasteride and Erectile Dysfunction
Finasteride (brand names Propecia and Proscar) is an oral prescription medication used to treat hair loss in men.
By lowering DHT levels, finasteride may reduce hormone activity in the prostate, penis, and nervous system. “The reduction of these hormone levels can interfere with the body’s ability to make nitric oxide which is important for libido, mood, and erections, explains Houman. “The result can be diminished sexual desire, weaker erections, or delayed orgasm in some men,” he adds.
The connection between hair loss pills and ED was discovered in research, including a 2018 meta-analysis that found men taking finasteride had a higher risk of sexual side effects compared with a placebo.
Other Hair Loss Drugs That Have Not Been Linked to Erectile Dysfunction
For men concerned about sexual side effects, there are other hair loss treatments that may carry lower risk.
Topical Finasteride Finasteride is also available in a topical spray, though no topical finasteride product has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hair loss.
Topical finasteride significantly improves hair count compared to a placebo — similar to oral finasteride — but with less impact on DHT levels. In one randomized controlled trial, topical finasteride lowered DHT levels by nearly 35 percent, whereas oral finasteride lowered them by more than 50 percent.
“For men concerned about sexual health, alternatives like minoxidil may offer a better risk-benefit profile,” says Houman. “It is generally well tolerated, though it carries cardiovascular rather than sexual risks.” It’s particularly important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of minoxidil if you have heart disease, since it can cause fluid buildup or make problems resulting from heart attack or stroke worse.
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