What are the pros and cons of Propecia (finasteride)?

Propecia (finasteride) is a safe and effective treatment for male pattern baldness, a condition that is extremely common and affects nearly half of all men above the age of 40.

Propecia can be used to slow hair loss in conjunction with other treatments for baldness such as hair transplant surgery.

Many of the common side effects of Propecia are short-lived and go away once the body gets used to the medicine.

Propecia is effective in promoting hair growth on the vertex (crown) but not nearly as effective in treating a receding hairline. 

It can take 3 months or more to see the effects of Propecia.

The medicine only works while you continue taking it. If you stop Propecia, the new hair you grew will be lost over the next several months.

The sexual side effects of Propecia (low sex drive, difficulty with erections, and low ejaculation volume) can sometimes continue even after stopping the medicine.