Dr. Ricardo Ruiz Rodríguez is a dermatologist and a doctor of Medicine ‘cum laude’. After training at the 12 de Octubre hospital, he extended his training for two years working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and at the University of California San Francisco, both in the USA . Later he completed a Master of Innovation in Medicine at INSEAD, France . He is a regular speaker at multiple international conferences and has written five books. He directed the Dermatology Unit of the Ruber Clinic for 24 years until in 2018 his International Dermatological Clinic changed its headquarters to the ‘golden mile’ of Madrid, creating the first ‘Hospital de la Piel’ in Spain. The prestigious International Dermatological Clinic, founded and directed by Dr. Ruiz, has been chosen in the last four years as the best monographic dermatological clinic in Spain, according to the Health Reputation Monitor. It is the first Spanish center where clinical, surgical, oncological, pediatric and restorative dermatology is carried out jointly, with specific operating rooms for treatment of skin cancer and hair transplantation, a pathological anatomy laboratory and a genetics unit. International Dermatology Clinic: www.clinicadermatologicainternacional.com – Instagram: @ricardoruizdermatologo
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news-img-figure">news-img-caption-def">Photo : iStock.
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There are many ‘fake news ’ in relation to this drug, from impotence to lack of fertility , derived mainly from the experience when it was used at higher doses (5 times higher than that used in alopecia) and in elderly men. Therefore, the Dr. Pedro Rodriguez and I wanted debunk 10 false myths associated with this drug
Does not produce impotence
Finasteride, at the doses used for alopecia androgenética , does not cause erectile dysfunction (impotence). This was demonstrated by a study that analyzed 17 clinical trials with a total 17,424 patients . The result was that erectile dysfunction appeared in the same proportion over the years in men who take finasteride and in those who do not.
It does not produce alteration of fertility
May decrease semen volume , but not the concentration of sperm. In any case, it seems prudent to suspend it by the man when a couple is trying to conceive (by the woman it is mandatory to stop taking it as you will see later).
Don’t worry about your libido
The adverse effect What we would consider typical or more frequent of finasteride is the decrease in libido (sexual desire). Being the most frequent, it is still rare (it occurs in less than 3%, studied in thousands of patients) and it is reversible when stopping treatment , with which, if it happens, the solution is as simple as leaving the treatment. Here the relationship between mind and sexuality comes into play: just as there is the ‘placebo’ effect and sometimes we improve by thinking about it, there is the ‘nocebo’ effect, that is, we notice an adverse effect just by thinking about it.
Can be used in women
La finasterida at a dose of 1mg It was approved for the treatment of androgenetic-type alopecia (common baldness) in men between 18 and 41 years of age. However, today dermatologists recommend it in older men and women . Women of childbearing age should always avoid becoming pregnant while taking the drug and for some time after stopping it (1 month in the case of finasteride and 6 months in the case of dutasteride) since its use could be associated with malformations. Having taken these drugs, however, it does not adversely affect future pregnancies of the patient.
Side effects are reversible
This medicine It is safe and in most people it does not cause any adverse effects. If unfortunately these occur, they will be resolved by withdrawing the medication. It is essential that prescription and control of evolution and the effectiveness of the drug are monitored by a doctor.
You do not need analytical controls
No analytical monitoring is required while taking finasteride. However, depending on your age, you may need an initial analysis and that your dermatologist contact your urologist to be able to properly carry out your controls of prostate since taking the drug lowers the levels of PSA (a marker used for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer). These drugs also appear to lower the risk of prostate cancer and do not increase the risk of breast cancer or any type of Cancer.
There are alternatives to finasteride: dutasteride
Today we also have available a first cousin of this drug on the market called dutasteride. Both drugs prevent the activation of testosterone in the hair follicle and prevent hair loss produced by this hormone.
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news-img-figure">news-img-caption-def">Image of hair transplantation from International Dermatology Clinic
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We like to start with finasteride, a drug with which we have more experience, and if it does not work or works little, we switch to dutasteride.
Does not affect the prostate
Low-dose finasteride does not affect the prostate: At the usual doses used in alopecia would not have any effect on the prostate. In any case, the effect would be positive, since it would prevent the prostate from growing abnormally.
Should not be used without medical supervision
With the boom in transplants and widespread concern Due to hair loss in recent years, this drug has become a common conversation among many men, who often take it without medical supervision.
Postfinasteride syndrome does not exist
A non-medical term and not recognized by the scientific community called ‘postfinasteride syndrome’ has appeared in different forums. It is a picture of sexual dysfunction, as well as depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideas that would not give way after stopping the drug. But nevertheless, there are no scientific studies to show that this painting really exists.
In summary, if you have alopecia problem, go to your dermatologist. He will make a proper diagnosis. If your alopecia is hormonal, he is likely to prescribe you finasteride. Finasteride, minoxidil tablets, platelet-rich plasma, and advancements have revolutionized the management of alopecia.
Make the quality of your skin a priority. We are our skin. That is why it is very important that you are up to date with all the updated information . Here you find it; Instagram o en International Dermatological Clinic .
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Categories Health Tags blogs , deep , for , Impotence , nothing , out , plus , produce , skin , What , you
