4 ms·

There is plenty of survey data to show that baldness reduces a man’s attractiveness. The effect size varies with age. Anecdotally, it also appears to have espec

There is plenty of survey data to show that baldness reduces a man’s attractiveness. The effect size varies with age. Anecdotally, it also appears to have especially dire consequences in modern online dating. However, this effect surely pales in comparison to the effect of the permanent sexual dysfunction finasteride can cause. It is frankly outrageous that regulators in the United States have adopted the drug companies’ willful ignorance of this. In my case I find it impossible to imagine I will ever meet a partner who is comfortable with inability to participate in normative sexual relations, as well as being compatible in other dimensions. I could honestly say that it has ruined my life.

rchaud 4y ago
You say you have not dated, so your skepticism is perhaps warranted due to lack of real life experience. There is survey data that can prove, or at least strongly point to pretty much any conclusion you want. And yet, bald people are out there dating. As are overweight people and everyone else that doesn't sit squarely inside society's beauty standards. Have they done anything differently?
- throwaway2722 4y ago
  I think you misunderstand my position. I am not arguing that baldness makes dating impossible, only that it is more difficult. I am now far more concerned with the sexual effects of the anti-baldness drug I took which, again, are likely permanent. Men without working genitals have next to no options - if you are interested I would suggest researching accounts from men with a venous leak, botched circumcisions, micropenis, spinal cord injury and so on. There is a reason why those who find partners despite such ailments are a subject of media interest - they are beating the odds. I would certainly advise other balding men to simply accept it. The risk of ending up in a much worse position as a result of anti-baldness treatment is simply not acceptable.
  - tasuki 4y ago
    I'm sorry you had to go through this. > I think you misunderstand my position. I am not arguing that baldness makes dating impossible, only that it is more difficult. If baldness makes dating more difficult, it is almost imperceptibly so. Being self-conscious about baldness might make dating more difficult. Being bald and ok with it is fine. IIRC the only thing that really matters and is impossible to change is height. If you're tall enough, you're fine. Also, anecdata: I worked with a "vertically challenged" (his words!) guy and he was dating attractive women (taller than him). He was confident and was able to make fun of his height.
testmasterflex 4y ago
I think you should try weight lifting and see if that helps your testosterone levels to get the libido up. I’d suggest the 5x5 program. I would also not rule out how much mental stress can turn off any body function. Never give up friend!
- throwaway2722 4y ago
  Thanks; I appreciate the sentiment. Unfortunately, while lifting is probably advisable for overall wellness, it is highly unlikely to change things sexually. My testosterone has been tested and is quite high even after taking finasteride. From what I have gathered, the notion that the drug’s persistent effects are the result of altered testosterone levels is misinformed. Instead, people who are adversely affected by the drug seem to acquire a condition that resembles androgen resistance - their hormone levels may be fine, but their tissues no longer respond as they should. Some experts have hypothesized the root cause to be an epigenetic change, but there is really no financial incentive for getting to the bottom of it. As with tardive dyskinesia, the condition will likely remain poorly understood and practically untreatable for the remainder of our lives. I’m afraid details would be a bit too graphic for HN, but I can assure you some of the changes to my body cannot be explained by stress. It is much more than just ED.

rchaud 4y ago

You say you have not dated, so your skepticism is perhaps warranted due to lack of real life experience. There is survey data that can prove, or at least strongly point to pretty much any conclusion you want. And yet, bald people are out there dating. As are overweight people and everyone else that doesn't sit squarely inside society's beauty standards. Have they done anything differently?

throwaway2722 4y ago
I think you misunderstand my position. I am not arguing that baldness makes dating impossible, only that it is more difficult. I am now far more concerned with the sexual effects of the anti-baldness drug I took which, again, are likely permanent. Men without working genitals have next to no options - if you are interested I would suggest researching accounts from men with a venous leak, botched circumcisions, micropenis, spinal cord injury and so on. There is a reason why those who find partners despite such ailments are a subject of media interest - they are beating the odds. I would certainly advise other balding men to simply accept it. The risk of ending up in a much worse position as a result of anti-baldness treatment is simply not acceptable.
- tasuki 4y ago
  I'm sorry you had to go through this. > I think you misunderstand my position. I am not arguing that baldness makes dating impossible, only that it is more difficult. If baldness makes dating more difficult, it is almost imperceptibly so. Being self-conscious about baldness might make dating more difficult. Being bald and ok with it is fine. IIRC the only thing that really matters and is impossible to change is height. If you're tall enough, you're fine. Also, anecdata: I worked with a "vertically challenged" (his words!) guy and he was dating attractive women (taller than him). He was confident and was able to make fun of his height.

testmasterflex 4y ago

I think you should try weight lifting and see if that helps your testosterone levels to get the libido up. I’d suggest the 5x5 program. I would also not rule out how much mental stress can turn off any body function. Never give up friend!

throwaway2722 4y ago
Thanks; I appreciate the sentiment. Unfortunately, while lifting is probably advisable for overall wellness, it is highly unlikely to change things sexually. My testosterone has been tested and is quite high even after taking finasteride. From what I have gathered, the notion that the drug’s persistent effects are the result of altered testosterone levels is misinformed. Instead, people who are adversely affected by the drug seem to acquire a condition that resembles androgen resistance - their hormone levels may be fine, but their tissues no longer respond as they should. Some experts have hypothesized the root cause to be an epigenetic change, but there is really no financial incentive for getting to the bottom of it. As with tardive dyskinesia, the condition will likely remain poorly understood and practically untreatable for the remainder of our lives. I’m afraid details would be a bit too graphic for HN, but I can assure you some of the changes to my body cannot be explained by stress. It is much more than just ED.