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Can minoxidil 5% cause low irritation ?
M26 with hair loss and visible thinning at the crown. Two years ago a dermatologist prescribed topical Minoxidil + Finasteride (10%) and oral Minoxidil 2.5 mg. no oral finastride After about 2 months I noticed reduced erections and absence of morning erections, so my family doctor advised me to stop the medicines. Within a week my erections and libido returned to normal. Recently after 2 years I consulted another dermatologist because my hair loss increased. She prescribed only topical Minoxidil 5% (1 ml nightly) without Finasteride and said Minoxidil is not known to cause sexual side effects(many dermo said this same thing) . previously I can masterbate 2-3 times and was hard After using minoxidil the first night I did not get a morning erection the next day. I can still get erections with sexual thoughts or masturbation, but they feel slightly weaker and morning erections are absent. Could this be psychological or related to Minoxidil? Should I continue the medication or stop it?
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Yes.. however treatment depends on the grade..You are suffering from hormonal changes causing Androgenetic alopecia causing hair fall. It's completely stoppable even regrowth of hair is possible with certain medications without any side effects. Treatment depends on the grade of hair loss. So, it's a must for diagnosing which grade, you are in for an effective treatment. Please send photos of your head, by direct online consultation for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
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You should consider other options for hairfall rather than only minoxidil and finasteride. It could rule out your side effects or they could be some unrelated conditions. You must consult plastic surgeon for better options
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Topical Minoxidil 5% is not known to cause sexual side effects such as reduced erections or loss of morning erections. These effects are more commonly associated with Finasteride, which you had previously used. Since you are currently using only topical Minoxidil, it is quite possible that what you are experiencing is psychological or anxiety-related, especially if you are closely monitoring erections after restarting treatment.
The fact that you can still achieve erections with sexual thoughts or masturbation suggests that the erectile mechanism is functioning normally.
Next steps
• You may continue topical Minoxidil 5% once daily as prescribed.
• Try to avoid focusing too much on monitoring morning erections, as this can increase anxiety and worsen perceived symptoms.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle (adequate sleep, exercise, stress control), which supports both hair health and sexual function.
Helpful Tips / Word of Caution:
• If symptoms persist or worsen over the next 2–3 weeks, consider discussing it again with your dermatologist.
• Avoid restarting Finasteride if you previously experienced sexual side effects from it.
• Remember that temporary changes in morning erections can also occur due to stress, sleep quality, or mental focus on the issue.
If you would like, you may also consult online with me to discuss safer long-term options for hair loss management.
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Can by psychological,
Also detailed medical history needs to be assessed to rule out other causes
Next Steps
Feel free to connect via INSTANT ONLINE CONSULT
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Dr. Sonia Tekchandani
Dermatologist
40 yrs exp
Mumbai
Hello, you can do online consultation with Doctor.Need to take detailed history with proper evaluation.Will prescribe medication accordingly. Please share photos of the concerned areas.
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Dr. Moin Ahmad Siddiqui
Trichologist
7 yrs exp
Lucknow
Need change of treatment
Consult online for proper evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Palak Deshmukh
Dermatologist
14 yrs exp
Pune
Minoxidil is not associated with erectile dysfunction
Kindly consult for better management
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Dr. Rashmi Nandwana
Dermatologist
19 yrs exp
Noida
Kindly consult online for proper treatment and guidance.
Need proper history n picture.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.