Evaluation of sexual function in subjects taking finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

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®.