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We often hear about mature men dealing with androgenic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness. But what about those who have
yet to reach their 30s? Surprisingly, hair loss can affect men in their 20s and teenage years. Fortunately, there’s a way young men can stop hair loss with finasteride.

What is Finasteride?

Also known by its brand name Propecia, finasteride is a medication that works to treat male pattern baldness, even though it was originally created to treat enlarged prostate glands. Although finasteride doesn’t increase hair production, it is successful in clinically treating androgenic alopecia.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

The main culprit that leads to androgenic alopecia is a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair
follicles. DHT often increases in men as they age. In fact, research has shown that 30% of men show signs of male pattern baldness by age 30,50% of men will experience hair loss by age 50, and about 80% of men will have lost hair by age 70. Surprisingly, about 16% of males between the ages of 15 and 17 will also exhibit signs of male pattern baldness.

How Does Finasteride Help?

When patients begin taking finasteride daily, DHT levels will decrease dramatically in the scalp. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, this treatment is safe and effective in preventing further hair loss. While it won’t affect hair on other body parts, finasteride stops hair loss on the scalp in its tracks.

Finasteride’s Effectiveness in Young Men

We are now learning that young men may have an advantage over older patients when it comes to preserving their hair through finasteride.
A new study shows that young men with androgenic alopecia have experienced less thinning when taking finasteride. These men, who range between the ages of 18 and 40 and experienced loss in the temples, crown, front, mid-scalp, all benefited from the treatment.

As with many things in life, the best way to tackle male pattern baldness is by striking early. If you notice hair loss, don’t hesitate to call The Edge For Men at (314) 736-4MEN!

Many men worry and become self-conscious about any sexual dysfunction they may be experiencing. Several of our patients come to us with erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone (low-T) symptoms, and more. We also see another male problem called Peyronie’s disease, which usually involves curved, painful erections from  fibrous scar tissue developing within the penis. Fortunately, our Acoustic Wave Therapy, combined with the Priapus or P-Shot, can help treat Peyronie’s disease safely and painlessly.

What is Peyronie’s Disease?

Penises vary in size and shape, but Peyronie’s disease can create a painful, significant bend in the penis. This makes achieving and maintaining an erection difficult and having successful sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Peyronie’s disease develops suddenly or gradually as fibrous scar tissue increases inside the penis. Historically, little can be done to treat it. While it isn’t clearly understood why some men develop Peyronie’s disease, a few factors may contribute to its appearance. These variables include:

• Repeated injury to the penis from sports, accidents, or sexual activity
• Being 55 years or older
• Heredity
• Connective tissue disorders
• Diminished blood supply to the tissue

What is Acoustic Wave Therapy?

Safe and pain-free, Acoustic Wave Therapy uses high-frequency, low-intensity sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis non-invasively. These sound waves create micro-vascular trauma, which then signals the body to produce growth factors and increase blood flow. In addition, the Acoustic Wave Therapy helps break down some of the fibrous scar tissue within the penis.

What is the Priapus or P-Shot?

A simple and safe procedure, the Priapus Shot uses components of your blood to release growth factors. First, we draw a syringe of your blood, which we process using a specialized kit to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is rich in tissue, vascular, and nerve growth factors. Following a simple local block procedure, we inject the PRP painlessly into the penis, especially near areas of scar tissue. Not all PRP kits are created equally. We use a higher volume, double spin process that yields a larger volume of more concentrated PRP than many other kits.

Are Acoustic Wave Therapy and the P-Shot Safe?

Acoustic Wave Therapy is not only safe, but it also has a high satisfaction rate. Patients receive 6 to 12 treatments, similar to how doctors break up kidney stones (just with a much lower intensity). In addition, Acoustic Wave Therapy carries no associated long-term negative effects. As for the P-Shot, since it only uses your own blood products, this treatment is extremely safe without any major complications. In the end, patients tolerate both well and their quality of life often increases significantly! If you’re experiencing sexual pain, please call The Edge For Men at (314) 736-4MEN. We will schedule your consultation with Richard Moore, M.D. and help you get back your sexual vitality!

It’s finally happened. You have hit that point in your life where you no longer feel aches and pains in the morning. Now, instead of wondering when this feeling might fade, think about how you can keep it going. There are plenty of ways to better yourself. Continue reading for tips on how to continue improving your body even when you’re healthy. Continue reading “Continue Improving Your Body Even When You’re Healthy”