Nearly 2 months on Propecia -- sudden concern

[Hairless Goat]

Hi all,

I haven't posted here in a while. Some of you may remember me during the deliberative process which dragged on for months and months. I began on Sunday, August 12th at .5mg of brand name Propecia, and experienced the dull testicular ache for a while, among perhaps other mild symptoms. Once that went away, for weeks I had no symptoms; but a week or two ago, the dull ache returned. I feel it in only my left testicle, and that testicle seems to be a bit more sensitive to touch than the other one. The ache seems to emanate from the surrounding area: groin. I'm a little bit concerned and disappointed. Truthfully, many things could cause a testicular ache but I know there is an anecdotal link between it and the drug. I have for so long had only good things to say about the drug and I was becoming ever vindicative towards those internet kooks who prevented me from beginning the drug sooner. My sex drive has been strong, my ejaculatory volume has been good, I have been making gains in the gym -- but now I'm concerned, my doctor will advise me to discontinue the drug for a while and delay the progress.

 

[Wuffer]

Testicular ache seems to be quite common. I had it myself after a couple weeks and it lasted maybe 3 days, and never came back. I've heard that it will go away and come back occasionally in some people, but it's reported that it always eventually goes away for good.

Taking finasteride is inducing quite a significant hormonal change in your body. It's reasonable to suspect that this change would cause some symptoms. Your body will go through an adjustment period initially, and over time gets 'used' to it.

It's a good sign that you still have normal sexual functioning. Stay the course, take some Advil/Tylenol for the ache (both helped me a lot) and hopefully it will be gone before you know it.

 

[Hairless Goat]

Yeah, it's just a little unsettling that I am bringing on such a drastic change to my body for the sake of my hair. But, I really don't want to lose my hair.

Advil/Tylenol is unnecessary. Were I not on Propecia, I doubt the nut ache would concern me. It's mild and intermittent. I didn't feel it that much for most of today and yesterday. Usually when I sit down it is most noticeable. It's annoying that my doctor -- back when I started -- suggested that I stop taking the drug for a month then restart with a smaller dosage. He claimed it worked for other patients, as some had experience the testicular ache, which seems very widespread.

My sex drive is raging and I'm posting gains in the gym. Hopefully the nut ache isn't a portent for something, such as infertility (although it fits in with my lifestyle) or problems once quitting or long into treatment.

 

[Hairless Goat]

Thanks. How long have you been on the treatment, Ben?