If you are in crisis: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7), text SHOUT to 85258, NHS 111, or attend your nearest A&E.
What the regulator says
The title of the MHRA Drug Safety Update of 29 April 2024 is verbatim: "Finasteride: reminder of the risk psychiatric side effects and of sexual side effects (which may persist after discontinuation of treatment)". The persistence after discontinuation is part of the regulator's official recognition. The 11 May 2026 update strengthened these warnings. Yellow Card data cited 426 reports for sexual dysfunction at the time of the original DSU, with almost half marked "not recovered" or "not resolved".
In plain English
Persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping finasteride (commonly called "post-finasteride syndrome" or PFS in patient communities) is recognised in UK regulatory wording. The MHRA does not use "PFS" as a formal term but does acknowledge that in a small number of cases sexual side effects (reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders) have been reported to persist after the medication is stopped. There is no current diagnostic test, and the mechanism is still under investigation.
How long does it last
The natural history of persistent post-discontinuation sexual dysfunction is poorly characterised. Some patients report gradual improvement over many months; others report sustained symptoms. There is currently no licensed treatment for the persistent form. Active research is ongoing.
What to do if it happens to you
If sexual side effects do not resolve after stopping finasteride: report via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme; consult your prescriber and GP; consider referral to specialist sexual medicine or endocrinology; document the symptoms and timeline because this informs both your care and the regulator's ongoing review.
When to seek urgent care
If persistent sexual dysfunction is accompanied by depression, suicidal thoughts, or severe mental distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), NHS 111, or attend your nearest A&E immediately.
Want bloods to help investigate?
If you would like a bloodwork baseline to support the clinical conversation about your symptoms, our sister diagnostic service WMG Health offers panels designed around the question you are asking. A clinician-designed custom panel (from £275) is usually the best route when the question is specific.
Same Westminster Medical Group, single clinical record, results visible to your WMG Meds prescriber.