Minoxidil and Sexual Side Effects:

Is Minoxidil Good or Bad for ED?

Did you know that 40% of patients taking minoxidil (Rogaine) regrow hair because of the treatment?

Over and over again, trials have shown minoxidil as a useful treatment for men experiencing hair loss.

There has even been some evidence to show that a topical form of the medication may be useful for patients experiencing erectile dysfunction.

But not all researchers back this theory. We’ll discuss it in more detail below.

In this article, we talk about the following:

• What is minoxidil (generic Rogaine)?
• What is minoxidil used for?
• Minoxidil and erectile dysfunction
• What dosage is minoxidil available in?
• How to store minoxidil
• Are there any alternatives to minoxidil?
• Final words: how to get the best results with minoxidil

What Is Minoxidil (Generic Rogaine)?

Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine) is a hair-loss treatment that has been in use for many decades.

This medication may be helpful for patients experiencing different kinds of hair loss and/or hair thinning. One of the most common genetic diseases of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia.

To treat this genetic hair loss, you should apply the medication directly to your scalp two times a day. This will slow or stop the progression of hair loss and/or thinning hair.

You must use the medication continuously. If you stop using the medication, the hair growth will reverse while the hair loss continues as before.

Recently, minoxidil (Rogaine) has shown promise in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.

What Is Minoxidil Used For?

Primarily, patients who can take minoxidil (Rogaine) use it to treat hair loss or hair thinning. The medication can be useful for both women and men.

However, women and men should not use the medication in the same way. (There’s more on that later.)

The exact mechanism of action of the medication is unknown. But, we do know that researchers initially developed it in the 1950s as an oral medication for high blood pressure.

As more and more patients used the medications, researchers discovered that it led to hair growth. The theory is that minoxidil (Rogaine) works as a peripheral dilator, meaning that it encourages blood flow to the outermost parts of the body like the hands and feet.

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To increase blood flow to these regions, the medication likely widens the blood vessels. In the scalp, the widening of the blood vessels likely leads to an influx of nutrients and blood to the hair follicles. In turn, this stimulates hair growth.

In line with this theory, other researchers believe that minoxidil (Rogaine) encourages hair follicles to enter the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle and stay in that phase longer.

Spending more time in the anagen phase leads to fuller, thicker hair. Affecting the entire hair cycle may explain why minoxidil is so successful.

Alternatively, minoxidil (Rogaine) can help with erectile dysfunction.

Minoxidil and Erectile Dysfunction

No study has yet connected using minoxidil (Rogaine) and erectile dysfunction (ED). But, there are two schools of thought on this connection, none of which has enough data.

One theory suggests minoxidil and finasteride might have some sexual side effects.

Usually, men experiencing ED, or the ones who have problems with libido and erection while using minoxidil, find another underlying reason for their sexual problems.

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The other theory is that minoxidil can actually help with resolving ED.

Since the medication acts as a peripheral vasodilator, this can increase the diameter, rigidity, and arterial flow to the penis.

The studies about minoxidil for erectile dysfunction are inconclusive. Some say that the medication is effective, while others say it is ineffective.

All evidence considered, minoxidil may be a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction. Researchers need to find out more about the appropriate dosage and delivery method of the medication. Current treatments are not providing strong enough evidence to consider regular, approved use.

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[If you experience any sexual side effects, talk to your doctor. This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.]

Read more: Minoxidil Side Effects

What Dosage Is Minoxidil Available In?

Minoxidil comes as an over-the-counter treatment with multiple provider options. Pharmacies offer the medication as a liquid solution or foam for patients using the medication to prevent hair loss.

There are two strengths that the medication comes in: 2% and 5%.

The FDA approves the use of 2% topical solution and 5% topical foam for women experiencing hair loss. As for men, the FDA approves the 5% topical solution or the same strength in foam.

Note that the 5% topical solution is not approved for women because of its high strength for the delivery method.

For patients using minoxidil (Rogaine) for erectile dysfunction, the current treatment is a 2% topical solution applied to the penis. Remember, do not use minoxidil for ED without your doctor’s approval.

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How to Store Minoxidil

You should store minoxidil in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from temperatures that are too hot and too cold. The medication is flammable.

You should also keep the medication safe from moisture and direct light.

Keep the medication away from where children could reach it. Ingestion could be fatal.

If the medication expires, you should dispose of it. Do not use expired medication.

Are There Any Alternatives to Minoxidil?

Finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is another option to battle hair loss or thinning. This medication works on the hormones in the body to produce a similar effect. Minoxidil does not affect hormones as finasteride does.

Natural remedies for hair growth include the following:

• Saw palmetto
• Pumpkin seed oil
• Reishi mushroom
• Viola verecunda extract
• Capsaicin
• Biotin
• Zinc

Rosemary essential oil may be helpful in promoting hair growth as well.

Alternatively, you could consider taking ketoconazole shampoo. This prescription shampoo can help patients who are battling scalp dryness and/or fungal infections of the scalp.

Both of these conditions can lead to worsened hair loss. So, treating them can help promote hair growth.

If you’re experiencing hair loss from stress, there are ways to deal with this as well.

Diagnosing stress-related hair loss is difficult, but it may be a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that the diagnosis may come after ruling out other diagnoses. Stress-related hair loss treatments may help if other solutions aren’t helping.

Read more: Minoxidil Warnings & Precautions

Final Words: How to Get the Best Result With Minoxidil

Like other medications, you have to make sure that you’re taking minoxidil (Rogaine) correctly to get the best use out of it.

To get the best result, you need to continuously use the medication and apply it as directed. Do not overuse the medication, and do not try to use old medication.

When in doubt, call your physician or your pharmacist. They can give you directions that are specific to your condition and your prescription.

To get started with minoxidil, shop our hair loss treatments at UPGUYS. We can help you find the best treatment for you.