While ambiguous in nature, a low libido is directly correlated to a diminished sex drive. This common phenomena witnesses those who have it display a distinct disinterest and unwillingness to participate in sexual intercourse. While not physically dangerous in any way, it may have an overwhelming affect on their lives, and the lives of those around them. Unfortunately, certain pharmaceutical products may increase the rate in which men develop this condition. Men who receive Propecia (generic: finasteride) treatment may experience a noticeable reduction in their libido.
If you or a loved one has noticed a reduction in their libido 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 Loss of Libido Lawsuit Overview
Propecia has been available on the U.S. market since 1997, and has since witnessed millions of men use it to restore lost or damaged hair follicles. As a product of Merck, Propecia was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the re-growth of hair on the anterior and mid scalp region of men.
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 mechanism of action responsible for the re-growth of hair my create a dangerous imbalance of hormones within the endocrine system. If a significant imbalance were to occur, men might experience what is known as endocrine system failure. Subsequently, in the event that the endocrine system fails to function properly, hormones are not distributed throughout the body, affecting nearly every aspect of human functionality. Recent studies suggest that the imbalance created by finasteride may result in the development of several sexual side effects, one of which may be a significant reduction in the male libido. Due to the overwhelming ramifications this effect may have on an individual, men may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Propecia loss of libido lawsuit.
Propecia Loss of Libido
Libido refers to a person’s sex drive, otherwise known as their desire for sexual activity. While the desire for sex is directly correlated to a person’s sexuality, it can vary enormously from one person to another. A male’s sex drive is often the compilation of biological, psychological, and social components. Distinct social factors, such as work and family, have a significant impact on a man’s libido; as do internal psychological factors, like personality and stress. However, hormones, particularly testosterone, are believed to affect sex drive dramatically.
Unfortunately, pharmaceutical products such as Propecia, may create an imbalance of hormones that affects a male’s libido. Should this happen, a man may increase their risk of loosing their libido. Loss of libido witnesses those who lose it display a distinct disinterest and unwillingness to participate in sexual intercourse. While not physically dangerous in any way, it may have an overwhelming affect on their lives, and the lives of those around them.
Signs and symptoms of low libido may include:
- Sensual touching only occurs in the bedroom
- Sex does not give you feelings of connection and sharing
- You never initiate sexual intercourse
- You no longer look forward to sex
- Sex is mechanical and routine
- You almost never have sexual thoughts or fantasies about your spouse
- You have sex once or twice a month at most
Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma has become synonymous with the loss of libido in men. Such a complication has the inherent ability to alter chemical reactions in the brain, which may permanently affect the way in which an individual responds to unique situations. Should emotional distress regarding the loss of libido progress, depression is a likely outcome.
In men who have experienced a reduction in their libido following Propecia treatment, emotional trauma may be endured for months or even years. These events can completely overwhelm a person’s ability to cope with the event, leading to severe long-term consequences. Eventually, emotional exhaustion may set in, making it difficult to think clearly or concentrate on anything except negative feelings. This can cause a person to become emotionally detached or dissociated, which is a coping mechanism to “numb” all feelings.
Persistent Sexual Side Effects
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).
Do I Have a Propecia Loss of Libido 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 loss of libido lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has experienced a reduction in their libido after taking Propcia, 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.