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Gül M, Fode M, Urkmez A, Capogrosso P, Falcone M, Sarikaya S, Sokolakis I, Morgado A, Morozov A, Albersen M, Russo GI, Serefoglu EC. A clinical guide to rare male sexual disorders. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:35-49. [PMID: 37670085 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00803-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Conditions referred to as 'male sexual dysfunctions' usually include erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders and male hypogonadism. However, some less common male sexual disorders exist, which are under-recognized and under-treated, leading to considerable morbidity, with adverse effects on individuals' sexual health and relationships. Such conditions include post-finasteride syndrome, restless genital syndrome, post-orgasmic illness syndrome, post-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sexual dysfunction, hard-flaccid syndrome, sleep-related painful erections and post-retinoid sexual dysfunction. Information about these disorders usually originates from case-control trials or small case series; thus, the published literature is scarce. As the aetiology of these diseases has not been fully elucidated, the optimal investigational work-up and therapy are not well defined, and the available options cannot, therefore, adequately address patients' sexual problems and implement appropriate treatment. Thus, larger-scale studies - including prospective trials and comprehensive case registries - are crucial to better understand the aetiology, prevalence and clinical characteristics of these conditions. Furthermore, collaborative efforts among researchers, health-care professionals and patient advocacy groups will be essential in order to develop evidence-based guidelines and novel therapeutic approaches that can effectively address these disorders. By advancing our understanding and refining treatment strategies, we can strive towards improving the quality of life and fostering healthier sexual relationships for individuals suffering from these rare sexual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gül
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Urology, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Mikkel Fode
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ahmet Urkmez
- Department of Urology, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, ASST Sette Laghi, Circolo and Fondazione Macchi Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- 2nd Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School Thessaloniki,Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afonso Morgado
- Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrey Morozov
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Ivan Russo
- Urology section, Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Irwig MS, Sanz J, Lin D, Tan N, Dommasch E. Beliefs and counseling practices among dermatologists regarding sexual and other adverse effects of finasteride. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00750-0. [PMID: 37542152 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00750-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Finasteride may cause low libido and erectile dysfunction and the product label of finasteride also includes post-marketing reactions of sexual dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment, as well as male infertility and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beliefs and counseling practices among dermatologists regarding adverse effects of finasteride. Anonymous paper surveys were personally distributed to 122 attendees at two annual major dermatology meetings. The participation rate was 82% with 47% women and 77% residents of the United States. 51% of respondents believed that finasteride could cause sexual side effects and 18% believed that it could cause persistent sexual side effects. Fewer than a quarter believed that finasteride could cause depression or lower sperm counts. When initiating finasteride, 69% of respondents counseled at least half of their patients about potential sexual side effects with 52% for persistent sexual side effects and 30% for depression. This study identifies the need for greater awareness of the potential adverse effects of finasteride and identifies opportunities for improvement in counseling practices that reflect finasteride's product labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Irwig
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jessika Sanz
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- New York Institute College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | - Deborah Lin
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicholas Tan
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erica Dommasch
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Sand J, Walen S. Noninvasive Hair Rejuvenation. Clin Plast Surg 2023; 50:509-520. [PMID: 37169416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Both nonsurgical and surgical modalities for the treatment of hair loss are being used by providers at an increasing rate worldwide. Men and woman are affected by hair loss, but the pathophysiology of the hair loss is thought to be different between sexes; therefore, gender must play a role in treatment decisions. Currently, there are 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved nonsurgical androgenetic alopecia treatments: minoxidil, finasteride, and low-light laser therapy. Platelet-rich plasma injections are showing promise as a single modality and as an adjunct to other nonsurgical and surgical treatments of androgenetic alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Sand
- Spokane Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, 217 W. Cataldo Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
| | - Scott Walen
- Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, 500 University Drive H-091, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Noninvasive Hair Rejuvenation. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2022; 30:419-431. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Trüeb RM. Psychiatric Comorbidity Related to the Therapy of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Independent of the 5-Alpha Reductase Pathway. Skin Appendage Disord 2022; 8:169-170. [PMID: 35419416 PMCID: PMC8928200 DOI: 10.1159/000518750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Abstract
Pattern hair loss (PHL) is a condition that worsens with time and the only way it can be slowed down is with pharmacological intervention. Pharmacological treatments for PHL, from an evidenced-based perspective with respect to safety and efficacy, are limited to only two drugs, minoxidil and finasteride. However, there are a host of drugs being used, off-label with limited evidence. This article attempts to review the literature on this topic, and the authors add to this, with their experience of over two decades on incorporating pharmacologic treatments along with hair transplantation in their management of PHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Suresh Sattur
- HAIRREVIVE- Centre for Hair Restoration & Skin Rejuvenation, Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Indu Sandeep Sattur
- HAIRREVIVE- Centre for Hair Restoration & Skin Rejuvenation, Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Trüeb RM, Gavazzoni Dias MFR, Dutra Rezende H. Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Finasteride. Skin Appendage Disord 2021; 7:524-526. [PMID: 34901189 DOI: 10.1159/000514365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph M Trüeb
- Center for Dermatology and Hair Diseases Professor Trüeb, Wallisellen, Switzerland
| | - Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni Dias
- Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Ciências Médicas, Hospital Universitário Antonia Pedro, Niteró, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hudson Dutra Rezende
- Department of Dermatology, Alvaro Alvim School Hospital, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Finasteride 1 mg/day is indicated for androgen-dependent conditions such as male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). METHODS The literature is comprehensively summarized on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and metabolism of finasteride. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to assess the efficacy of finasteride reported in clinical trials. The adverse events profile is described along with the post-marketing reports. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased total hair count compared to placebo after 24 weeks (mean difference = 12.4 hairs/cm2, p < .05), and 48 weeks (mean difference = 16.4 hairs/cm2, p < .05). The efficacy of the two doses of finasteride (5 mg/day and 1 mg/day) and topical finasteride (1% solution) were not significantly different. The most commonly reported sexual events include erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. Increasing patient complaints and analysis of the FAERS database led to the inclusion of depression in the FDA label in 2011, as men were found to be at a risk of suicide due to the persistent sexual side effects, commonly termed as post-finasteride syndrome. Finasteride is shown to be reasonably tolerated in both men and women; however, patients need to be educated about the possible short- and long-term side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Mediprobe Research Inc, London, Canada
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Howell S, Song W, Pastuszak A, Khera M. Differential Gene Expression in Post-Finasteride Syndrome Patients. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1479-1490. [PMID: 37057444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An organic etiology underpinning post-finasteride syndrome, a constellation of persistent sexual, neuropsychiatric, and somatic symptoms reported by men exposed to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), is debated. Persistent changes in neurosteroid levels or androgen receptor expression have been implicated. AIM To determine whether differences in gene expression, especially in relevant biologic pathways, exist between patients reporting post-finasteride syndrome symptoms and healthy controls. METHODS This was a single center, prospective case-control study taking place between March 2013 and September 2018. Men 18 years and older being evaluated for sexual dysfunction (study) or circumcision (control) were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-six men with a history of 5ARI use reporting symptoms consistent with post-finasteride syndrome were included in the patient group. Twenty-six men consented to inclusion in the control group. OUTCOMES The primary outcome measure is gene expression data for genes affecting neurosteroid levels and androgen receptor activity from penile skin cells. RESULTS Gene expression of cells from penile skin samples from twenty-six men of median age 38 years (IQR, 33-42) in the study group was compared with that from twenty-six men of median age 41 years (IQR, 35-62) in the control group (P = .13), with 1,446 genes significantly over-expressed and 2,318 genes significantly under-expressed in study patients. Androgen receptor expression was significantly higher in study patients compared to controls (9.961 vs 9.494, adjusted P value = .01). Serum levels of androgen receptor activity markers 5α-androstanediol (0.950 ng/mL [0.749-1.587] vs 0.949 [0.817-1.337], P = .34) or 3α-androstanedione (3.1 ng/mL [1.925-5.475] vs 6.7 [3.375-11.4], P = .31) revealed no significant differences. No significant differences were found between the number of trinucleotide repeats (21.5 [20-23.75], 22 [19-25], P = .94). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS In this study we present evidence of gene expression correlating with observed biologic differences in patients with post-finasteride syndrome; providers who prescribe 5ARIs should be aware and advise their patients accordingly. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Strengths of this study include the evaluation of multiple proposed etiologies for post-finasteride syndrome. The study is also strengthened by the fact that not all data matched the initial hypotheses, qualifying the argument for the existence of PFS. Limitations include potential selection bias arising from more severe phenotypes seeking care; lack of gene expression data prior to 5ARI exposure; lack of non-penile tissue samples supposedly involved; and a lack of mechanistic data to imply causality. CONCLUSION This study is the first to consider and demonstrate gene expression differences in patients with PFS as a potential etiology of sexual dysfunction. Howell S, Song W, Pastuszak A, et al. Differential Gene Expression in Post-Finasteride Syndrome Patients. J Sex Med 2021;18:1479-1490.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skyler Howell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Weitao Song
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Choi JW, Huh CH, Choi GS. Association of Hair Loss With Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events vs Finasteride Use. JAMA Dermatol 2021; 157:737-738. [PMID: 33950168 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jee Woong Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Chang Hun Huh
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Gwang Seong Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
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Traish AM. Post-finasteride syndrome: a surmountable challenge for clinicians. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:21-50. [PMID: 32033719 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is a constellation of serious adverse side effects manifested in clinical symptoms that develop and persist in patients during and/or after discontinuing finasteride treatment in men with pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) or benign prostatic hyperplasia. These serious adverse side effects include persistent or irreversible sexual, neurological, physical and mental side effects. To date, there are no evidence-based effective treatments for PFS. Although increasing number of men report persistent side effects, the medical community has yet to recognize this syndrome nor are there any specific measures to address this serious and debilitating symptoms. Here we evaluate the scientific and clinical evidence in the contemporary medical literature to address the very fundamental question: Is PFS a real clinical condition caused by finasteride use or are the reported symptoms only incidentally associated with but not caused by finasteride use? One key indisputable clinical evidence noted in all reported studies with finasteride and dutasteride was that use of these drugs is associated with development of sexual dysfunction, which may persist in a subset of men, irrespective of age, drug dose or duration of study. Also, increased depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in a subset of men treated with these drugs were commonly reported in a number of studies. It is important to note that many clinical studies suffer from incomplete or inadequate assessment of adverse events and often limited or inaccurate data reporting regarding harm. Based on the existing body of evidence in the contemporary clinical literature, the author believes that finasteride and dutasteride induce a constellation of persistent sexual, neurological and physical adverse side effects, in a subset of men. These constellations of symptoms constitute the basis for PFS in individuals predisposed to epigenetic susceptibility. Indeed, delineating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PFS will be of paramount importance to the understanding of this syndrome and to development of potential novel therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
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