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Evaluation of sexual function in subjects taking finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Author(s) -
Tosti A,
Piraccini BM,
Soli M
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2001.00315.x
Subject(s) - finasteride , medicine , sexual function , dermatology , male pattern baldness , prostate , scalp , cancer
Background Our practical experience indicates that sexual side‐effects in subjects taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia®) for androgenetic alopecia are much less common than reported in the literature. Objective To evaluate the sexual function in subjects taking finasteride (1 mg) compared with age‐matched controls using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Methods The IIEF, a brief, reliable questionnaire, was self‐administered to 236 patients taking Propecia® and 236 age‐matched males attending the Department of Dermatology of the University of Bologna. Results Statistical analysis showed no differences between scores obtained with the IIEF in subjects taking finasteride and controls. Conclusions The sexual and erectile function of subjects taking finasteride does not significantly differ from that of age‐matched controls. This is consistent with the experience of many dermatologists who do not see sexual or erectile dysfunction in patients taking Propecia®.