As the name suggests, genital shrinkage is directly correlated to the loss of penile and testicular mass. While this condition may not present any life-threatening circumstances, it may significantly interfere with a man’s quality of life in a profound way. Unfortunately, certain outside factors may contribute to the rate in which this debilitating condition occurs. Subsequently, men who receive Propecia (generic: finasteride) treatment may increase their risk of genital shrinkage and any corresponding side effects that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from genital shrinkage after taking Propecia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Propecia Genital Shrinkage Lawsuit Overview
Propecia was introduced into interstate commerce on December 19, 1997. As one of Merck’s flagship medications in the fight against male pattern baldness, Propecia was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grow hair on the anterior and mid scalp region.
Finasteride, the active ingredient contained within Propecia, belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride treats male pattern hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, which prevents hair growth. DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink hair follicles until they no longer produces visible hair. Accordingly, Propecia promotes steady hair growth on the scalp.
Unfortunately, the introduction of finasteride may result in debilitating complications. Recent studies suggest that the use of Propecia may contribute to the development of persistent sexual side effects, one of which is genital shrinkage. Though not life-threatening by any means, genital shrinkage may significantly interfere with a man’s quality of life in a profound way. Due to the severity of this condition, men may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Propecia genital shrinkage lawsuit.
Genital Shrinkage
The extent in which genital shrinkage affects a male is directly correlated to the loss of mass that takes place. However, a reduction in the size of the penis and the genitals may have a long-lasting affect on those who experience it. These parts of the male anatomy play a fundamental role in men’s sexual health and overall well-being. Improper function or inadequate size may result in side effects that can severely interfere with a man’s quality of life. Genital shrinkage caused by Propecia may result in the following long-term complications:
- Persistent sexual dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
- Impotence
- Urinary tract disorders
- Persistent emotional or psychological damage
- Depression
Persistent Sexual Side Effects Study
According to a recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, finasteride has been linked to adverse sexual side effects in multiple randomized, controlled trials for the treatment of male pattern baldness. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom and the Swedish Medical Products Agency have added the following information to patient leaflets: “Persistence of erectile dysfunction after discontinuation of treatment with Propecia has been reported in post-marketing use.”
Upon conclusion of the study, subjects reported new-onset persistent sexual dysfunction associated with the use of finasteride: 94% developed low libido, 92% developed erectile dysfunction, 92% developed decreased arousal, and 69% developed problems with orgasm. The mean number of sexual episodes per month dropped and the total sexual dysfunction score increased for before and after finasteride use according to the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (P < 0.0001 for both).
Propecia Genital Shrinkage Study
According to the Examiner, a similar study is set to be published in a forthcoming edition of the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The study associates a link between Propecia treatment and the reduction of penis mass in rats. Accordingly, male rats who received oral doses of Propecia for approximately four weeks witnessed a 25% reduction in the weight of their genitals.
Dr. Michael Irwig, author of the aformetnioned study, acknowledged that his new research “is consistent with what many men have told me that they have had shrinkage in their penis after taking Propecia.”
The new study, which is titled “Effects of Oral Finasteride on Erectile Function in a Rat Model” by MG Zhang, concludes: “In a rat model, finasteride treatment for 4 weeks reduces the weight of the corpus cavernous (penis) but appears not to affect the erectile responses to electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. As erection is a complex process involving important signaling in the brain, further studies are necessary to demonstrate the long-term effects of finasteride on both central and peripheral neural pathways of erection.”
Do I Have a Propecia Genital Shrinkage Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia genital shrinkage lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from genital shrinkage after taking Propecia, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.