# Can minoxidil cause erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects? 5 min read Written by: [Ashley Laderer](/content/health-guide/bio/ashley-laderer/index.html) Reviewed by: [Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP](/content/health-guide/bio/austin-ulrich/index.html) 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](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/) of [minoxidil side effects](/content/hair-loss/does-minoxidil-have-side-effects/index.html), 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](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5347675/) from men using topical minoxidil. Only four of those reports mentioned erection problems. Some [research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36857310/) 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](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5347675/): - Erectile dysfunction - Ejaculation problems, such as [premature ejaculation](/content/premature-ejaculation/index.html) or [delayed ejaculation](/content/erectile-dysfunction/delayed-ejaculation/index.html) - Reduced sex drive or loss of libido - Decreased [semen volume](/content/erectile-dysfunction/increase-semen-volume/index.html) 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](https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/2e5a2976-06fb-43f9-e063-6294a90a3bf5/spl-doc): - [Hair shedding](/content/hair-loss/why-does-minoxidil-cause-shedding/index.html) 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](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5347675/) to cause sexual side effects than other hair loss medications such as [finasteride and dutasteride](/content/hair-loss/dutasteride-vs-finasteride/index.html). ED, decreased libido, and reduced ejaculate volume are known potential side effects of finasteride, affecting [fewer than 5%](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=00e934bb-c15b-490a-a852-839689a1231a) of men in clinical trials. These sexual side effects are also [associated](https://escholarship.org/uc/item/24k8q743) with dutasteride. On the other hand, minoxidil [doesn’t appear](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4039155/) 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](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/) — affecting at least 30–50 million American men. The good news is [ED is usually treatable](/content/erectile-dysfunction/can-ed-be-reversed/index.html). If you start noticing [signs of ED](/content/erectile-dysfunction/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-ed/index.html), consider these proven treatment options: ### Try prescription medications [Viagra](/content/erectile-dysfunction/viagra/index.html) ( [sildenafil](/content/erectile-dysfunction/sildenafil/index.html)) and [Cialis](/content/erectile-dysfunction/cialis/index.html) ( [tadalafil](/content/erectile-dysfunction/tadalafil/index.html)) are first-line treatment for ED. ### Eat a healthy diet ED is [highly correlated](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6348436/) 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](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/) with the condition. ### Take care of your mental health [Stress, depression, and anxiety](/content/erectile-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction-and-mental-health/index.html) can all [contribute](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/) 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](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/). ## Where to get minoxidil Topical minoxidil is available at pharmacies and reputable online retailers. [Oral minoxidil](/content/medications/oral-minoxidil/index.html) 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.