BPH and Antihistamines
Posted , 12 users are following.
I have had BPH for 7- 10 years. I found this website about a year ago after a severe bout of prostatitis. My BPH symptoms magnified significantly along with the added symptoms of fairly severe retention and dreaded decreased libido. These symptoms remained up until two months ago to a slightly lesser degree until I got another bout of prostatitis. During that time I was reading up on BPH to see if there was something I could do to possibly decrease my chances of getting it again when I came across an article that said that those with BPH should not take antihistamines. I remembered when I was younger taking antihistamines for cold symptoms and they occasionally effected my urine stream but until I read this article it never dawned on me that antihistamines (Benadryl in my case) may increase my BPH symptoms. For the previous 18- 24 months I had been taking Benadryl on a fairly regular basis for insomnia. As soon a read this article I immediately stopped taking it. Fast forward to now and my retention is almost gone, I get up a max of 3 times a night as opposed to 4-6 times. My urine stream is definitely not like an 18 year old but now I actually urinate 200 to 250cc and more at times (not all the time). Before it was 50 to 150ccs and sometimes less. Don’t get me wrong I still have BPH but at this level I could live with it. I was at my wits end and was about to schedule PAE with Dr. Bagla but I am now reconsidering. If my symptoms remain as they are I will hold off. I could be wrong but I believe that stopping Benadryl may have caused the improvement. Of course I do have the fear that the symptoms will return to previous levels at anytime. Unfortunately the decrease libido is still with me, but it comes and goes.
I would like to hear comments/thoughts from this forum. Has anyone experienced anything like this?
0 likes, 18 replies
richp21 gary37907
Posted
Flonase works well for allergy symptoms and is not an anti-histamine. I don't know if it helps with sleep issues.
DrDavidB gary37907
Posted
Hey Gary,
Concerning your decreased libido. I have been using low-dose Sildenafil off-label at night as a substitute for Flomax-type meds and it helps my stream. Also it has a different mechanism than Flomax so there is no retrograde ejaculation. Of course it encourages erections or at least a sense of increased "manhood" (read longer.) Ask you uro, they will prescribe it. Just tell them you have ED if they question you. No harm in trying and it is good to have in your quiver. Sorry if I sound a little perverted but I'm just a guy.
David
gary37907 DrDavidB
Posted
thank you Dr Dave. yes i have been using low dose cialis and it works. i just havent gotten over the fact that a year ago almost over night my libido went over the cliff. all was fine before a bad case of prostititis. it kind of comes and goes mow.. Thank God for cialis. thanks for the support.