Cystoscopy and now 28 days on Tamsulosin?? Help Please?!

51 year old guy. No current medications. Reasonably fit, not overweight and in good health otherwise. Never smoked and do not drink excessively. I may have Prostatis or Bengin Prostate Enlargement?? My symptoms according to NHS info online could fit either. Urologist unable to offer a diagnosis at this stage.

Have issues with weak flow, minor pain at tip of penis, feeling of some urine retention and stop/start peeing. Since youth never had a great urine flow. To be honest my symptoms are a bit uncomfortable but not terrible. Could try paracetamol but have not to date.

No strictures, bladder normal and all lower tracts fine on cystoscopy as per Urologist. My prostate smooth on DRE. My wife is 38 and may want a baby. Heard terrible reports about this alpha blocker especially on sex life! Really not keen to start medication at 51 and potentially being stuck on it for 30 years or more!!

All lower urinary tracks fine and been told not prostate cancer. Having ultra scan to check upper tracts on Monday. VERY WORRIED and not sure whether to do trial or not?

Any advices really welcome as very worried, concerned re sexual activity (and wife much younger and agile etc) and overall devastated that this is happening to me. I guess I’ll need surgery longer term and it doesn’t seem as if an enlarged prostate or prostitis can be treated - you kind of have to put up and shut up.

thanking you all in advance, g2409 😊

[Nik6]

May want to get more info on the tamsulosin. Retroejaculation and ed for some,if you want kids maybe change in diet. Pursue causes.

[Hidden in reply to Nik6]

Thanks Nik6 - I've just been for the ultra scan and told all normal. My symptoms aren't terrible and do come and go. I'm going to try to effect some life style changes prior to going on the medication even on a trial basis. I'm cutting out all fizzy/soft drinks, restricting alcohol to occasional beer/champagne with meal and completely cutting out spirits, eg Grey Goose, Southern Comfort which are 40%. Any pointers on diet side, eg foods that promote good prostate health etc??

[xsevenx]

I have been taking tamsulosin for three years. No problems apart from dizziness if I stand up too quickly.

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

Thanks really helpful - much appreciate your reply.

[LondonB]

Has urologist checked your urethra at the point where the prostate surrounds it? Is it impairing flow there?

I tried the drug for a few days, splitting headaches so stopped.

Am having urolift procedure done this week… does not cause ED or reverse ejaculation. Avoid the other surgeries if you can.

[Hidden in reply to LondonB]

Hi LondonB - thanks for your reply. Yes, he went right up into bladder and said everything healthy/normal so am assuming that the urethea is not impairing flow there. As I said to Nik6 above I'm going to try some lifestyle changes first to see if things improve. I really don't want to be channelled down a medication route especially because of the potential side effects and risks re sexual activity, ED, reverse ejaculation etc. Do you think this sounds like a reasonable course of action? If no improvements then I guess I may have to relent and re-consider. Thanks and best!

[fredwgarfield in reply to LondonB]

I think many men would like to follow you in what your experience is with the Urolift procedure and your post procedure experiences.

[fredwgarfield in reply to LondonB]

did you have the Urolift procedure yet?

[Hidden in reply to fredwgarfield]

it’s not me having this procedure - it was someone who kindly replied to my initial post. If you look it this you should be able to find who it was and reach out to them. I hope this helps…thanks

[fredwgarfield in reply to Hidden]

looks like a London B. Looks like my responses have been directs to London B. Sorry for the confusion.

[Hidden in reply to fredwgarfield]

no problem and good luck

[LondonB in reply to fredwgarfield]

I had the urolift implants done on Thursday 8 Dec. Highly recommend Neil Barber at the London clinic for this procedure. So two days out…

Urinating was quite painful and frequent, frequency and pain decreasing.

Better option to open up urethra vs TURP or other procedures that can have negative side effects.

Going back in early January for flow tests etc.

[fredwgarfield in reply to LondonB]

How do you deal with the pain?

[fredwgarfield in reply to LondonB]

Would you be able to tell us about the procedure itself? Were you awake? Asleep? What did you have to do? What did they do? Etc.

Thanks.

[LondonB in reply to fredwgarfield]

asleep. They use four devices to tack back the prostate so that the urethra is fully open. Google urolift!

[WB36]

Hi this sounds very similar to my experience I waited a little longer to age 54 ,been on tamsilousin for 4 years with some of the side effects. Very important to continue all consultation with your Dr. However I have asked them to change my tamsilousin to every 2 days in order to reduce the side effects which seems to help, but not eliminate all of them. Including mild dizziness occasional retrograde ejaculation also experiencing ringing in the ears maybe connected. ? My psa has been up and down over the years from 4 to 8.4 and ultrasound confirms enlarged prostate. Diet huge changes pursuing more as I learn what might be causing enlarged prostate. Reading lately that spikes in insulin maybe a contributor to prostate growth going to dietician to find ways to controlling these spikes. Absolutely stopped high sugar pop and drinks also cutting down any sweets or desert high in added sugars. But learning high carbohydrates maybe a problem when the body converts them to sugars to break it down.

Positive foods for prostate health tomatoes, pomegranate, fish for the fish oils some nuts like pumkin seeds etc, and higher fiber lower carbs that move things out quicker. A natural path put me on a salad dressing that really helped me, even tho I don't have salad everyday. He suggested to drink it every day; one teaspoon apple cider vinegar plus 3 teaspoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon olive oil all organic. I added a teaspoon of tumeric powder to reduce acidity a bit and help with the feeling of inflamation around the prostate. I was having feelings of inflamation that would flare up and affect my joints and stiff neck and or pain into my shoulders and arms. These pains and inflamation episoded are mostly gone now. This has changed my life and I will do it for life. It was not pleasant at first but after 2 weeks solid commitment I started to crave it then I noticed very smooth relaxing bathroom visits. Both bladder and bowels, it was like it was pulling some infection or something out and was so calming relaxing. After about 10-12 months I noticed a mucus or excretion after going to the bathroom, it really cleaned the system(s). I take this every other day unless I feel I need it, and it's just natural lemon vinegar olive oil and tumeric.

But still I will consult with my medical Dr and urologist through out this process. It seems to be a life long journey at this point best of luck to you.

[Hidden in reply to WB36]

thanks for your helpful comments and post. Really appreciated. I think I’m going to try lifestyle changes including many of the changes you have helpfully flagged. I’ve already stopped fizzy drinks and caffeine. Also, spirits so will restrict alcohol to a beer or champagne with a meal. Barely drink alcohol anyway. I’ve had terrible headaches since cutting out the caffeine. I’m also drinking a lot more water and will discuss with my GP other lifestyle changes including pelvic floor exercises. Thank you again and likewise good luck and take care.

[MrFireworks]

On the off chance that somehow it's been missed: your PSA is normal?

[Hidden in reply to MrFireworks]

Apparently so but I believe the test is not definitive in any event - I had a reading of 1.1 which the Consultant was advised of and the GP didn't seemed concerned by? Thanks for replying!

[instantregret]

Tamsulosin stops ejeculation, but improves flow.. But I found it useful for my non-bacterial prostatitis pain. Get a course of cypro first, that'll treat bacterial prostatitis. Then a PSA test and rectal exam too.

[xsevenx in reply to instantregret]

Didn’t stop my ejaculation. Was a bit iffy for a couple of weeks. Fine now .

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

Oki doki - that’s really useful and helpful. Thanks and best

[xsevenx in reply to Hidden]

I’m slightly confused! Have you been taking tamsulosin for the past month? If so, any unwanted side effects would surely have declared themselves by now.

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

no never been on any medication. Consultant has suggested it on a 28 day trial basis. No diagnosis given.

[xsevenx in reply to Hidden]

Ok. Gotcha. I’d give it a try especially as there is a 28 day get out clause

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

thanks and noted - I’ve cut out all caffeine and alcohol and am drinking 4 to 6 500ml bottles of water a day. I believe it’s having a positive impact so I’m going to try these lifestyle changes (say 3/6 months) then if not the medication. I’ve had bad headaches having come off the caffeine which can’t be doing my urology any good. I’m just so confused about what’s happening and there’s so many factors to consider.

[Hidden in reply to instantregret]

Thanks for that. My PSA is 1.1 apparently within the normal range (but appreciate these tests aren’t definitive) and I’ve had countless rectal exams all apparently fine. What is a course of “cypro” please? Is that something GP could prescribe? I’m guessing so? Thanks and best…

[fredwgarfield]

I was taking Tamsulosin (Flomax) for approx 3-4 years. Had the typical dizzies/postural hypotension… I didn’t feel my normal self. Experienced retrograde ejaculation. Most recently, I started bruising and developed petechiae. My platelet count dropped to 3k. Had difficulty walking one block without becoming short of breath. My heart rate was fluctuating between 40s and then jump into the 120s+ and then back down to 30-40s. Subsequently admitted. Found out that I had ITP and Tachy-Brady syndrome. Most likely both as a result of the Tamsulosin. I did research into this situation and found approx 1500 men here in the USA who have had the same experience as me. Tamsulosin was stopped… still peeing okay which I am happy about and had a cardia pacemaker/AICD implanted. Feeling my normal self for the past few weeks and grateful to be OFF Tamsulosin.

I have dietary changes, off diet soda. Retrograde ejaculation is reversing itself now

[Hidden in reply to fredwgarfield]

thank you so much for your reply and I’m genuinely sorry to hear of all the issues you’ve had. To be honest I’m trying life style changes as reluctant to go on this drug especially in light of what you say below. Take care and good luck with it all…

[fredwgarfield]

Some men seem to do okay with the medication, but some of us do not and becomes a medical nightmare.

[Hidden in reply to fredwgarfield]

Yes wise words and like any medical issue if you can effect lifestyle changes then that is far better than medication but sometimes this just isn’t possible. Thanks again, take care and good luck.

[gtstaruk]

Hi I am 47 was 45 when i was experiencing similar symptoms, week flow, urine retention, urgency and constant need to pee. I Had a cystoscopy and was told everything looked fine, however i have a slightly enlarged prostate. Was prescribed Tamsulosin. Been taking it for nearly 2 years, side effects I mainly experience are: slight head rush if i get up to quick, although this dosnt always happen, reduced ejaculation, no ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation, I have noticed that this depends on how long after I have taken the tablet. On the plus side my urinary syptoms have improved greatly and I have far better erections than before. On the Dr's advise i also reduced caffeine and stopped taking Cetirizine hydrochloride and switched to Loratadine as my antihistamine as cetirizine can impair urine flow.

[Hidden in reply to gtstaruk]

thanks for your helpful response - I’m really encouraged by what you say and thanks so much for making the effort to reply. I’ve already cut out caffeine and fortunately don’t need to use an antihistamine. I’ve also stoped fizzy drinks and high volume alcohol (spirits) that all may have an impact. I’m going to speak with GP and request a period to see if lifestyle changes work if not I probably will try the tamouslin on a trial basis. Thanks and best

[Azymuth]

59... Diagnosed BHP 2021... prescribed Doxazosin.... made me feel like a Eunuch... stopped last month switched to Tamsulosin.... feeling a bit more action now.... not gonna lie... hate taking any medication... been fit and healthy all my life.... but realise now it's the ageing process... comes to us all.

[Hidden in reply to Azymuth]

is BHP an enlarged prostate or chronic prostatis? Sorry to ask but not sure what BHP is? Did you try any lifestyle changes if applicable prior to starting the medication? Take care, thanks for your reply and best wishes

[Azymuth in reply to Hidden]

Urology Consultant informed it's an enlarged prostate... no significant lifestyle changes as usually quite fit and healthy ...moderate alcohol consumption on occasional weekends..no smoking since early 20s....

[dellrobert]

i am told there is outher treatments like hot water or steam treatment but not all hospitals do the treatment it works by killing the growth cells on the prostate good luck

[Hidden in reply to dellrobert]

would you be able to give me more details please? This sounds interesting and could potentially help me with my issues. So it’s not available on the NHS?? Thanks and best…