If you take medications for an enlarged prostate, you are likely concerned about your prostate health and hope to improve it. Unfortunately, there are some prostate medications that have unwanted side effects that can negatively affect your general and sexual health. Some of these side effects can persist for years after you stop taking the medication, so it’s crucial to understand them before you experience them firsthand. Additionally, it is important to explore natural alternatives for improving your prostate health.
Prostate medications that contain alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can cause side effects that you may find worse than the problems you are trying to address. Not every man will experience these side effects, but it is essential to know the risks associated with any medication.
Understanding the Side Effects
- Erectile Problems: Several drugs can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or decreased libido. The five drugs that can cause ED include Avodart (dutasteride), Proscar and Propecia (finasteride), Jalyn (a combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin), and in rare cases, Flomax (tamsulosin). Both Jalyn and Flomax can cause another kind of erectile problem: a painful and prolonged erection that can last four hours or more. This rare condition is called priapism, and it is considered a medical emergency that must be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage.
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Ejaculation/Orgasm Problems: Men who experience ejaculation troubles and struggle with orgasm are unpleasantly surprised by this potential side effect. Some medications, such as Flomax, can cause retrograde ejaculation or “dry orgasm.” With retrograde ejaculation, a man’s semen exits to the bladder instead of leaving through the penis during orgasm. Even though this does not cause a health threat, men may prefer to have everything work the way it should. Men concerned about having children should know that this negatively affects fertility and should discuss alternatives with their doctor.
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Change in Penis Shape: Flomax can cause symptoms similar to Peyronie’s Disease, which causes the penis to bend. The bend can range from 10 to 90 degrees, interfering with sexual function.
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Serious Allergic Reactions: Many drugs can cause allergic reactions. The reactions associated with prostate medications include swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat, as well as trouble breathing, rash, hives, and changes to the breast or nipple. If you have any of these side effects, seek immediate medical attention. If you have trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency room.
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Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: One of the most frightening side effects of some prostate drugs is an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (like Proscar and Propecia, Avodart and Jalyn) have been found to increase the risk for high-grade prostate cancer, which is a type of prostate cancer that grows and spreads faster than low-grade prostate cancers. Discuss these risks with your physician if you have concerns.
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Drop in Blood Pressure: Some men may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure when taking certain prostate medications. This change in blood pressure can cause dizziness. Proscar can cause dizziness and fainting, while Flomax can induce vertigo, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms can be dangerous, especially if you are driving, walking, or operating heavy machinery.
Seeking Alternatives
If you’re concerned about these potential side effects or are experiencing them, talk to your doctor. Explore natural, drug-free ways to manage your enlarged prostate, including lifestyle and dietary changes. There are many methods that can help improve your age-related prostate health decline, such as losing weight, exercising, avoiding caffeine, and making other adjustments to your daily habits.
There are also many natural prostate supplements that can help promote a normal prostate size for your age and enhance age-related urinary flow. Plus, discovering the best foods for prostate health and the foods to avoid can put you on the right track for improved prostate health.
Keep in mind that supplements are not a replacement or alternative for drugs and medications, and you should always seek the advice of a medical professional. Good prostate supplements, however, can play a role in an overall prostate health program for men concerned about the side effects of prostate drugs and who want to support more natural prostate health as they age.
