Men like to look their best, and for some men that means attempting to cover up any signs of baldness on their head. Men who find baldness unwelcome should know that a recent study indicates a popular ingredient in some baldness tablets may have a link with tumescence dysfunction. When a tablet has the potential to affect male organ health, guys need to take a look at the available information to make an informed decision.

Finasteride

The ingredient in question is called finasteride, and it is marketed for baldness treatments under a number of brand names. In addition to being used to treat baldness, it is commonly prescribed for men with an enlarged prostate. (Interestingly, while it is marketed to treat baldness in men, it is also used to treat hirsutism – that is excessive hair growth – in women.)

Whether finasteride is effective in treating baldness is a question that inspires debate, but it is officially approved by the U.S. Food and Tablet Administration for that purpose.

Tumescence dysfunction

Scientists have long thought that finasteride may increase the risk of tumescence dysfunction in some men, at least since a study published in 2010. This belief is based on the fact that one of finasteride’s functions is to lower the amount of male hormone in men, which can have an impact on the sensual drive.

Now a new study, published in the journal Peer, provides more evidence that may back up that theory. This study, from Northwestern Medicine, looked at the records of almost 12,000 men in a massive database. They focused on men between the ages of 16 and 89 (inclusive) who had been prescribed tablets for baldness or prostate issues at least once over a 21-year period. They then looked at any diagnoses of sensual dysfunction.

They found that men prescribed the tablet for a longer period of time had a greater risk of prolonged tumescence dysfunction – and that this was especially true for younger men (those aged 16 to 42.) As they put it, “in young men, prolonged exposure to finasteride posed a higher risk of persistent tumescence dysfunction than any other risk factor.”

Indeed, in that earlier age subset (16 to 42 years), men who took the tablet for 205 days or more were five times more likely to develop tumescence dysfunction than if they took it for fewer than 205 days. And the median duration of the tumescence dysfunction was almost four years, even after they stopped taking the tablet.

What to do?

Not all men who took finasteride had this issue, but men who are concerned about hair loss and using or considering using finasteride should consult with their doctors to see if they need to modify or monitor treatment in any way to reduce the risk of tumescence dysfunction developing.

Every man has to decide how he feels about personal baldness. Many men embrace it, preferring to shave their heads and rock the look. Not everyone is comfortable with that option. But finding the right balance between baldness treatment and male organ health is important.

Baldness aside, tumescence dysfunction is easier to manage when there are no other male organ health issues to consider. Using a first class male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can aid in maintaining general male organ health. It’s wise to select a crème that includes L-arginine, an amino acid helpful in the chain of events that enables manhood blood vessels to dilate, making them more receptive to increased blood flow. The crème should also contain acetyl L carnitine, a neuroprotective ingredient that can help prevent the loss of sensation in the member due to frequent or aggressive use (or misuse).

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving manhood sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.