Can minoxidil cause erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects?

5 min read

Written by: Ashley Laderer

Reviewed by: Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Published: Aug 14, 2025

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Key takeaways

A small number of men have reported erectile dysfunction (ED) and other sexual side effects while using minoxidil, but these cases are extremely rare.

Minoxidil is less likely to cause sexual side effects than other hair loss medications such as finasteride and dutasteride, which have a stronger link to ED.

Can minoxidil cause erectile dysfunction?

It is very rare for minoxidil to cause erectile dysfunction. ED doesn’t appear on the standard list of minoxidil side effects, and no studies have found a direct link between the two. Still, some men have reported ED while using minoxidil.

From 2004 to 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received 92 safety reports from men using topical minoxidil. Only four of those reports mentioned erection problems.

Some research suggests that minoxidil may actually help with ED, though more studies are needed to confirm this.

Can minoxidil cause other sexual side effects?

In rare cases, minoxidil has been associated with sexual side effects — however, most people do not experience them.

Potential —though rare — sexual side effects of minoxidil may include:

These are so rare that they are not included in the list of common side effects for minoxidil, but a small number of reports have been submitted to the FDA.

Typical (non-sexual) side effects of minoxidil include:

  • Hair shedding at the start of treatment
  • Skin irritation, including redness, itching, or burning on the scalp
  • Scaling or seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp
  • Allergic contact dermatitis or eczema
  • Increased hair growth on the scalp or other areas of the body

Is minoxidil less likely to cause sexual side effects than other hair loss medications?

Yes, minoxidil is less likely to cause sexual side effects than other hair loss medications such as finasteride and dutasteride.

ED, decreased libido, and reduced ejaculate volume are known potential side effects of finasteride, affecting fewer than 5% of men in clinical trials. These sexual side effects are also associated with dutasteride.

On the other hand, minoxidil doesn’t appear to block DHT, which may be why it’s less likely to cause sexual side effects.

How to treat ED caused by minoxidil (and otherwise)

Whether or not minoxidil is the cause, ED is not uncommon — affecting at least 30–50 million American men. The good news is ED is usually treatable. If you start noticing signs of ED, consider these proven treatment options:

Try prescription medications

Viagra ( sildenafil) and Cialis ( tadalafil) are first-line treatment for ED.

Eat a healthy diet

ED is highly correlated with obesity and an unhealthy eating plan.

Exercise regularly

Increasing physical activity is recommended for men with ED, since obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with the condition.

Take care of your mental health

Stress, depression, and anxiety can all contribute to ED.

Treat underlying health conditions

If you have other health conditions that can lead to ED, treating those underlying conditions may help relieve your symptoms.

Where to get minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is available at pharmacies and reputable online retailers. Oral minoxidil requires a prescription, which you can get though your healthcare provider or a telehealth platform like Ro.

Bottom line

Minoxidil is considered a safe and effective hair loss treatment with minimal risk of sexual side effects. While there have been rare reports of erectile dysfunction and other sexual issues, these cases are not typical and may be unrelated to the medication itself.