Propecia became the first and is still the only United States Food and Drug Administration approved pill which has been demonstrated to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area for men only.

Side effects have been shown to be uncommon in Propecia and did not affect most men but a small number of men had sexual side effects, occurring in less than 2 percent of men. For women however the position is entirely different

Women should not use or handle Propecia if they are pregnant. The ingredient in Propecia is Finasteride, and is not indicated for use by women that they should not to take or handle. Finasteride is in the United States Food and Drug Administration’s pregnancy category X which means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It is possible that the medication could be absorbed through the skin while being handled. Propecia is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided but exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed. Women should just avoid handling the pills altogether and there is no knowledge whether or not Finasteride passes into breast milk.

Studies appear to show that Finasteride does pass into the semen of men, but caution should be used to avoid ingestion of semen during oral sex if a woman is pregnant or may become pregnant. Studies also suggest that women shouldn’t expose themselves to Propecia because the drug may cause problems in their reproductive systems.

The way Propecia works is by significantly reducing the amount of DHT a chemical that affects hair loss in men. Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT in your scalp and according to Merck; the company that produces Propecia, lowering DHT appears to inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles. Hair loss is the result of a chemical imbalance DHT causing the hair follicle to shrink until it no longer produces visible hair.

Some studies suggest that the use of Propecia can make traditional contraceptives inactive currently studies being undertaken to determine just how Propecia interacts with contraceptives. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor if you have any questions regarding Propecia and contraception.