In recent news, it was discovered that the popular hair growth drug Propencia (finasteride) is great at growing hair, but some men suffer from nasty side effects in their sex life.

Finasteride, which has been proven to increase hair count and thickness, is helpful for most men, who are reporting a 30 percent increase in hair growth within the first two years. It works by blocking the enzymes that change testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is the hormone responsible for hair loss.

But this comes with a costly side effect for 1 in 80 men, one with recent studies showing 2% experience erectile dysfunction as a result of taking finasteride. Hair loss effects half of the men over 50. And while sexual dysfunction is uncommon from finasteride use, ceasing to take it for hair growth is a likely first step recommended by physicians to combat any resulting sexual side effects.

Sure enough, this has not deterred men from taking finasteride, even the ones with sexual dysfunction as a result. Proof of 2 percent incidence among patients is really a drop in the bucket when measuring against the consensus of users; but could there be more with an extended study of long-term affects?

Despite the new research, most dermatologists feel that finasteride is safe and extremely effective for their patients.