If you’ve been prescribed medication for an enlarged prostate, you may have questions about what to expect, including whether your medication could cause side effects.
BPH medications can cause side effects, although not every man will experience them. Depending on the medication, you may notice dizziness, lightheadedness, changes in ejaculation, sexual side effects, or other changes.
Knowing how your medication works and what to watch for can help you feel more comfortable with your treatment and know when to talk with your urologist.
What Is BPH?
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. It is common in men as they get older and is not prostate cancer.
As the prostate grows, it can put pressure on the urethra and make it harder for urine to pass normally. This can cause:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty getting started
- A feeling that the bladder hasn’t completely emptied
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Getting up several times during the night to urinate
For some men, these symptoms are mild. For others, they can interfere with sleep, work, travel, and everyday activities. Medication is one of several ways to treat BPH, and different medications work in different ways.
What Medications Are Used to Treat BPH?
Common BPH medications include alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and tadalafil (Cialis).
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, helping urine flow more easily. Common medications include:
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
- Silodosin (Rapaflo)
- Doxazosin
Because these medications relax muscle rather than shrink the prostate, some men notice improvement in urinary symptoms relatively quickly.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) work by reducing hormones involved in prostate growth. Over time, they can shrink an enlarged prostate and help reduce blockage of urine flow.
These medications generally take longer to provide their full benefit than alpha blockers.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil (Cialis) may also improve BPH symptoms. Because it is also used to treat erectile dysfunction, it may be an option for men who experience both conditions.
In some cases, BPH medications may be used in combination to provide better symptom relief.
What Are the Common Side Effects of BPH Medications?
Side effects depend on the type of medication you’re taking. Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Changes in blood pressure
- Headache or fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Changes in ejaculation
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile difficulties
- Changes in the amount of semen
Not every man will experience side effects.
Alpha Blocker Side Effects
Alpha blockers can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up. Some men may also experience fatigue, headache, or nasal congestion.
They can also affect ejaculation. For example, tamsulosin (Flomax) may cause retrograde ejaculation, in which little or no semen comes out during orgasm.
Finasteride and Dutasteride Side Effects
Finasteride and dutasteride can cause sexual side effects in some men, including decreased sex drive, erectile difficulties, changes in ejaculation, or a decrease in the amount of semen.
Tadalafil Side Effects
Tadalafil may cause side effects such as headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, or muscle and back pain. It can also interact with certain medications, so be sure to tell your doctor about the medications and supplements you take.
Can BPH Medications Affect Your Sex Life?
Yes. Some BPH medications can affect sex drive, erections, or ejaculation. However, medication isn’t always the only possible cause of changes in sexual function. Aging, other medications, and other health conditions can also play a role.
If you’ve noticed a change since starting a BPH medication, talk with your urologist. They can help determine whether your medication may be contributing to the problem and whether another treatment may be appropriate.
How Long Do BPH Medications Take to Work?
The time it takes to notice improvement depends on the medication.
Alpha blockers may improve urinary symptoms relatively quickly because they relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work more gradually by reducing prostate size and may take several months to provide their full benefit.
Your urologist can explain what to expect based on your medication and individual symptoms.
What Should I Do If My BPH Medication Is Causing Side Effects?
If you’re experiencing side effects, talk with your urologist before stopping or changing your medication on your own.
Depending on the situation, your urologist may recommend adjusting the dose, trying a different medication, or considering another BPH treatment. They can take your symptoms, prostate size, overall health, other medications, and treatment goals into account.
You don’t have to simply put up with side effects that are affecting your quality of life. Let your urologist know what you’re experiencing so you can discuss your options.
Is Medication the Only Treatment for BPH?
No. Medication is one of several ways to treat an enlarged prostate. Some men get enough relief from medication, while others may continue to have bothersome symptoms or experience side effects that make another treatment worth considering.
Depending on your symptoms, prostate size, overall health, and treatment preferences, your urologist may discuss minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Learn more about the comprehensive BPH treatment options available at Conrad Pearson Clinic, including medications, minimally invasive treatments, and surgical approaches.
If medication isn’t providing enough relief, you may have other treatment options.
Have Questions About Your BPH Medication?
BPH medications can provide meaningful relief from urinary symptoms, but it’s also important to feel comfortable with your treatment and understand what to expect.
If you’ve noticed dizziness, changes in sexual function, changes in ejaculation, or other symptoms since starting a BPH medication, talk with your urologist before making changes to your treatment.
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, our urology specialists offer personalized BPH care, including medications, minimally invasive treatments, and surgical options. We can help you understand your treatment choices and determine whether your current approach is still the right fit for you.
