Finasteride is popular for curing baldness. But, more than its cure the side effects of finasteride are popular among those who develop baldness. All thanks to google for spreading the information. Before discussing further, first, learn what are the commonly known side effects of the popular tablet for baldness and what is the placebo effect on it.
Finasteride 5mg side effects:
- Erectile dysfunction: 0-10%
- Decreased Libido (Sexual desire): 2-6%
- Reduced ejaculate volume: 1-3%
Reading the above side effects of finasteride, any man would reconsider taking the tablet. He would rather decide to deal with baldness without treatment. But, if he would pay keen attention to the percentage of men facing the same, then he will feel almost no discomfort in taking this medicine. The above was of a 5mg dose, men will indisputably gain higher confidence in taking this medicine if the dosage will be reduced.
Finasteride 1mg side effects:
- Erectile dysfunction: 1 in 80 patients
- Decreased Libido (Sexual desire): No increased risk
- Reduced ejaculate volume: No increased risk
Having a look at these figures, it seems like a dosage of 1mg of finasteride is a win-win for men.
These figures are based on the compilation of many reputed studies.
Another very important study was published in the European journal of dermatology and it was done on a multinational level over a period of five years. It was found that less than 2% of people are facing the sexual side effects of finasteride. Also, people who continued to take finasteride noticed that eventually, the sexual side effects disappeared in their bodies.
In the ISHRS forum of 2019, a study was published that stated that finasteride for hair loss is not associated with sexual dysfunction. The same study was published in the journal of European dermatology in 2019.
Side effects of finasteride and psychological effect (Nocebo effect)
Studies of Mondianiattol have shown that the class of men who are psychologically aware of the side effects of finasteride were facing adverse effects of finasteride more than the class of men who are not aware of the side effects of finasteride. It was concluded by this study that the side effects of finasteride are more psychological than direct pharmaceutical effects.
Side effects of finasteride and placebo effect
The placebo effect is basically a treatment given by a doctor just for the sake of the psychological benefits of the patient. No physiological benefits can be reaped by this treatment. It’s like a vitamin tablet is given to a patient saying it will treat your headache and in actuality, his headache is cured by it. Another important milestone study published in the reputed journal of the American academy of dermatology states that in the placebo group side effects were significantly lesser than the ones not given placebo effect.
Conclusion
Based on various studies it can be concluded that a patient with baldness must never rely on the sources of Google for studying the side effects of finasteride. Rather he can refer to PubMed.com where all the indexed journals and scientific publications are listed.
A hair transplant is cosmetic surgery. Thus, in the end, it must be the patient’s own decision whether he wishes to take the medicine or not. Hope the article will help you to take the decision.