1. Community
  2. Men's health
  3. Prostate Problems

BPH issues/options 47yr old UK

Posted , 7 users are following.

pablorizos
pablorizos

I am a bit bamboozled by all the posts here and lots of terminology I am not familiar with.

I've been on medication (Alfusosin) for 3 years now but I feel my symptoms are getting worse with increasing urinary leakage overnight. I'm counteracting this by not drinking as much water, which isn't great.

I have been back to the docs and had another examination where they say my prostate is enlarged, but feels healthy - so just waiting on blood test results now.

I've done everything I should like limit caffeine, keep healthy - I'm a gym user, not overweight etc and so I am now at a stage where I need to understand what other guys around my age have tried/experienced. I've seen there's some alternative treatments on the NHS, but don't know if anyone has tried or explored this.

I know there's a lot of info and stories out there and without narrowing that I really I want to hear from UK guys around the same age, just to keep it realistic and manageable for me.

Thanks for any advice anyone!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Abadgermac
    Abadgermac pablorizos

    Posted

    I am older than you (63), hope you don't mind my reply. I was started on tamsulosin 6 months ago. My symptoms have improved but I struggle with the side effects. My Dr basically said there is no alternative, and I will just have to take the tablets for the next 20+ years. I would have preferred to see a urologist, but apparently I do not, as yet, meet the UK referral criteria!

    To say I am slightly despondent is a massive understatement!

    • pablorizos
      pablorizos Abadgermac

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply! I started on Tamsulosin, but it was too strong for me. If you don't like the side effects maybe try Alfusozin - they don't have any effects for me! I did see a specialist a few years ago, but I never felt I had a proper diagnosis, so with my symptoms worsening I want to know what else can be done.

  • atc41931
    atc41931 pablorizos

    Edited

    I suffered with BPH for over 20 years and had asked GP (UK) for a referral on several occasions without success.

    A couple of years ago I needed an operation for another matter and a by product was that my prostate clammed up completely and I was advised to have a Holep procedure. After a few difficult months with a catheter, I had a holep procedure. I was in and out on the same day (I would have preferred an overnight stay to be honest).

    Now I look back and can't believe I suffered years (even accounting for the new developments that have been made that weren't available for much of the 20 years) for the sake of a day procedure.

    My urination system is now miles better (not perfect but I'm in my 70s so not surprising) and I feel much better. The big downside for many I suspect is the Retro ejaculations but it was worth it for me.

    Apart from the Holep procedure, there are many others that do the same job which obviously I can't compare with.

    • pablorizos
      pablorizos atc41931

      Posted

      thanks atc41931 - that's really helpful. I was told a bladder neck widening would be an option but then the retrograde orgasm really did put me off - I cannot imagine that sensation at all!

    • Allondon
      Allondon pablorizos

      Posted

      Before deciding on the options, you need to have a PSA blood test and MRI (or at least TRUS). High PSA will get you a referral to an urologist. You can research which hospital you want to be referred to, I can name the good ones in and around London. In theory, you have the right to be referred to a specific consultant, but your GP may be reluctant to do this.

      Assuming there is no evidence of cancer, the options are:

      1. Medications - any of 3 available alpha-blockers plus any of 2 available Reductase inhibitors. If your prostate is relatively large, medications may not prevent AUR, therefore learn self-catheterisation - it may save your life.
      2. Surgery - apart from FLA and Aquablation, all other procedures are available on NHS. Considering coronavirus, waiting time may be infinite.

        Most surgeons perform TURP, but for other procedures you need to research or ask your consultant. Mine had no issue referring me to a Rezum surgeon in another hospital, though I am now leaning towards Holep.

      Other alternatives worth trying: Saw Palmetto (in addition or instead of Reductase inhibitors), Cialis (in addition or instead of Alpha-blockers), electronic devices that treat with sound or magnetic field.

      Unfortunately, if you ever get into retention, then you really only have option 2 left with NHS.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.