Minoxidil topical and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2020

For Alopecia "I'm 23 and noticed a receding hairline since I was 20, so I started using Kirkland minoxidil since it was very cheap, and after 4 months of use, I started noticing my hairline was really starting to grow back, but had to stop due to complete loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. Never had that problem at all. I've always been very sexually active, so I knew it had to be minoxidil, and after 5 months of being off it, I'm slowly getting my mojo back."

• Use...
• March 11, 2017

Minoxidil topical for Alopecia "I used a little more than recommended to cover all thinning areas. Maybe 75% of the cap each time. For the first few weeks, there was shedding and then growth of hair throughout the scalp (crown and most of the top scalp) at month 3 to 4 of usage, but at the same time (month 3 to 4 of usage), I experienced extremely low libido. I have completely stopped the medication for 3 weeks now, and I think I am recovering. Thanks."

• Max...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2021

For Alopecia "Minoxidil really induces a wide range of persistent sexual, physical, and psychological/mental side effects that do not go away even after drug discontinuation, including persistent loss of libido, ED (erectile dysfunction), impotence, loss of morning, nocturnal, and random erections, reduced sperm volume, weak ejaculation and watery or clumpy sperm leak, weak orgasm, penile shortening and curvature, genital numbness, severe depression, extreme anxiety and fatigue, difficulty focusing and concentrating, loss of motivation, loss of train of thought, slurring of speech, brain fog, dizziness, muscle twitches, loss of muscle and bone, weight gain (fat), collagen disorders, sleep disorders, weak urination/urine flow, blurry vision, testicular/penis pain, heart palpitations, swallowing disorders, bad body response to junk food consumption, and high sugar (tickling of throat)."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2017

For Alopecia "I used it for 4 months. Between months 3 and 4, my libido was completely gone, my penis smaller, and my erection quality terrible... in the rare case I was able to achieve one. It's now been almost 5 months since stopping the drug, and all my side effects remain with no improvement. This over-the-counter hair loss medicine has made me asexual. I saw the endocrinologist, and he believes that minoxidil caused these side effects. There is a research article titled 'Minoxidil May Suppress Hormone Receptor Functions,' published in 2014. He believes that my androgen receptors have been suppressed, and that is why my hormone tests are all normal. Unfortunately, there is no treatment besides discontinuing the drug and waiting x months/years... if ever."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2017

For Alopecia "I used it for 4 months. Between months 3 and 4, my libido was completely gone, my penis smaller, and my erection quality terrible... in the rare case I was able to achieve one. It's now been almost 5 months since stopping the drug, and all my side effects remain with no improvement. This over-the-counter hair loss medicine has made me asexual. I saw the endocrinologist, and he believes that minoxidil caused these side effects. There is a research article titled 'Minoxidil May Suppress Hormone Receptor Functions,' published in 2014. He believes that my androgen receptors have been suppressed, and that is why my hormone tests are all normal. Unfortunately, there is no treatment besides discontinuing the drug and waiting x months/years... if ever."

• Duv...
• May 3, 2017

Minoxidil topical for Alopecia "What a nightmare this has been for me. After 3 months of using Rogaine, my desire to have sex has gradually disappeared. It has been 2 months since I stopped it, and nothing has changed. This side effect is not even listed as a possible reaction. And how long has this been on the market? I simply cannot believe that this poison has not been removed from the market or asexuality mentioned as a possible outcome of this. I have no idea when I will recover and if I will recover. I'm seeing a dermatologist soon. I hope he doesn't simply tell me that this is all in my head or not related to Rogaine because he will not like my reaction. I am terrified... I don't know what to do about this. I plan on contacting a lawyer about this."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2021

For Alopecia "Does it work? Yes, it restored some hair growth. But are you willing to suffer these side effects? (a) facial bloat and weight gain (b) dark 'panda eyes' (c) loss of libido (d) severe ED (e) fatigue and brain fog? Please read around various forums - I had all these, and so have many others. In short, you will end up looking WORSE - which is ironic. Guys - embrace a buzz cut or shave bald, and rock it. Just save your health and stay away from this stuff."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2018

"I'm 55 years old and started using minoxidil about 3 months ago. Since I started this so-called positive hair treatment, I have seen zero results and more hair loss than I've ever seen in my life. They say the new growing hair will push the old hair out, but this is out of control. I've also experienced no sex drive. Do not waste your hard-earned cash on any minoxidil product."

• Bil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 9, 2021

For Alopecia "Around 15 years ago, I noticed I was losing hair on the crown of my head. Started using Rogaine topical, first liquid and then foam (which is much easier to apply). Results have been excellent. You have to be diligent in the beginning. Now, I just apply it once a day at night. I use both brand name and generics with similar results. A few years ago, my urologist prescribed finasteride for BPH. I resisted for months due to concern over side effects, but he insisted this was not scientifically proven. So I tried it, and after 33 days, I had retrograde ejaculations. I stopped immediately, but the side effects remain after three years-weight gain, loss of libido, and yes, retrograde ejaculations. Be very careful about taking finasteride. But do try minoxidil!"

• joh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 27, 2022

For Alopecia "I have stopped using it. The more I used it (the higher the dose), the more I had soreness at the site, but this didn't bother me much. Other symptoms did, such as: loss of sex drive, palpitations, dizziness and light sensitivity, headaches, nausea, fatigue, digestive issues, weight gain, brain fog. Don't be vain in your 20s and dead in your 40s for this stuff. It never really did anything noticeable anyway!"

• Ram...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2018

For Alopecia "Destroyed sex drive and no change to hair."

• nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2021

For Alopecia "I used Rogaine foam 5% for 6 months and got ED, almost zero libido, and watery semen when I stopped using it. There's been 6 months off minox with no significant improvement."

• min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2024

For Alopecia "It works after continuous application of 3 months, new hair can be seen, but it has affected my sexual health, decreasing my libido. It has been 2 months, but I have not gained my libido back."