Enlarged prostate

[BNCA]

I have an enlarged prostate BPH.  I had a problem a few months ago with inability to urinate (urinary retention). I had to go to the emergency room and they inserted a catheter to remove the urine in my bladder. I had the catheter in for a month. It has been removed and I am back to normal. The doctor put me on finasteride to reduce the prostate size and tamsulosin (Flowmax) which is working. I asked my doctor if I had to take these two medications for the rest of my life he said yes. I told him I wanted to try natural herbs like saw palmetto, beta sitosterol and other herbs for the prostate. He said the medication he is giving me is way stronger than those and keep taking the medication. My question is if I get off these meds and use natural herbs that have a proven track record would I have problems with my prostate getting enlarged again and end up getting urinary retention again? There are many products out there today like Ultra Prostate Formula that work. I am mixed up what to do. I am afraid of the long term side effects with use of the medication the doctor prescribed.

[auntiejessi]

You very recently were in serious condition with your prostate - you couldn't urinate. That's a huge deal.

There are definitely side effects to any medication. There are side effects to supplements, including the ones you want to take. Maybe take the meds for 6 months to a year, see how things are going, and then really research the supplements.

Also, research the surgery the above person mentioned. Maybe there are other alternatives than lifetime meds, but you are just a short time out of not being able to urinate.

Hang in there.

[headshake]

I had same problem, but on 1 tablet a day till I had surgery on prostate (TURP) 8 years ago with no drugs. Google new surgery on Prostate called Razum, popular in US and consultants here not pleased because it can be performed by your GP.