Researchers have found that men who take finasteride, a drug prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate, may be at higher risk for erection problems when compared to men who take the drug tamsulosin.
An enlarged prostate is common in older men. In fact, the American Urological Association estimates that over half of men will develop BPH by the time they’re 60. By age 85, about 90% are expected to have the condition.
Some men with BPH have problems urinating and getting erections. Treatment may include surgery or medications like finasteride (Proscar or Procepia) or tamulosin (Flomax).
Finasteride is classified as a 5α reductase inhibitor. This usefulness of this drug category in treating BPH has been under debate, as some studies have reported sexual side effects.
A team of scientists from Boston University School of Medicine investigated this further. They collected data from 700 men with BPH. Four hundred seventy of the men took finasteride. The remaining 230 took tamsulosin, an alpha blocker that works differently from finasteride.
For almost four years, the researchers followed the men and checked to see how well the drugs were working for BPH. They also studied the drugs’ effects on testosterone levels, erections, and quality of life.
Both of the drugs relived urinary symptoms of BPH. But men on finasteride gradually developed erectile dysfunction (ED), which did not get better with continued treatment. Also, testosterone levels significantly declined for men on finasteride, resulting in hypogonadism (low testosterone).
In contrast, the men who took tamsulosin did not have these side effects.
“Since sexual function is considered an integral part of overall health, it is important that physicians are aware of the adverse side effects of this class of drugs on human health in general and on sexual function in particular,” said researcher Abdulmaged M. Traish, MBA, PhD in a press release.
“Our study emphasized that the effect on erectile function is a serious concern and needs to be considered more carefully,” he added.
The report was first published online in June in the journal Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation.
Resources
Boston University Public Relations
“Erectile Dysfunction Worsened, Testosterone Levels Decreased by Some Drugs for Treatment of Prostate Enlargement”
(Press release. June 12, 2015)
http://www.bu.edu/news/2015/06/12/erectile-dysfunction-worsened-testosterone-levels-decreased-by-some-drugs-for-treatment-of-prostate-enlargement/
Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation
Traish, Abdulmaged M., et al.
“Finasteride, not tamsulosin, increases severity of erectile dysfunction and decreases testosterone levels in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia”
(Abstract. Published online ahead of print: June 2015)
http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/hmbci.ahead-of-print/hmbci-2015-0015/hmbci-2015-0015.xml?rskey=Ue7UzF&result=2
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
