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Flomax -- could it make things worse?

I've had "prostatitis" for seven years now. I finally went back to a urologist after five years to discover that my bladder is almost constantly partially full. That could irritate things! He prescribed me Flomax.

Besides the dizziness, though, I'm worried about its effects on ejaculation. One of the things that keeps me from having too many prostatitis symptoms is regular and *satisfying* ejaculations. Sorry to be so specific and graphic, but this is the urology community. A quick toss that doesn't summon any pre-ejaculate will usually end up causing me a lot of discomfort, whereas actual sex or at least state of high arousal followed by a satisfying climax, will often make my symptoms feel better, as if the prostate is getting flushed. When I was taking a muscle relaxant, my ejaculations were weak, and I had CONSTANT prostate issues.

The doctor I saw was rather hurried and it was hard to ask him any questions. Does anyone think that Flomax's effects on ejaculation could potentially make things *worse*?

9 Responses
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1580703 tn?1651904887
my whole urologist visit was bizarre, he didn't do a prostate fluid/semen culture but did an exam.  maybe he felt my prostate was enlarged, my urine was free from infection.  then he ordered a testicular ultrasound and not a prostate imaging
Helpful - 0
1580703 tn?1651904887
is Flomax ONLY good for UTIs?  I did have dribbling, but still have pain on erection/ejaculation on Flomax though it's a bit better

I have some terrible numbness in my genitals/penis and wish I had gotten Cialis/Viagra for BPH instead
Helpful - 0
1580703 tn?1651904887
maybe Flomax only helps if you have a UTI though to better flush infected urine out?  it seems though that the semen will empty into the bladder then and be flushed out of your system instead of going to the urethra so I don't know if that is good or not?

I've read of long term loss of STRENGTH on Flomax and possible sexual dysfunction.  I'm taking because I have this terrible prostate infection that won't go away and I've tried amycin and augmentin and cipro already
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i m suffering from kidney stone and taking ESWL treatment.My Dr gave me the veltam 0.4/ day dose.After taking one to two dose i found, i cant ejaculate while intercourse,my Dr said that its the side effect of veltam 0.4 & will go after some days.But i m too much afraid please help me out whether it is side effect? & if so how many days it will last? and if i stop taking above drug will it b possible me to ejaculate normally?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
     Thanks for writing in. Flomax acts by relaxing the smooth muscle of the sphincter and the prostrate gland there by allowing the flow of urine smoothly. This relieves retention of urine there by decreases the chances of developing infection.

It would be better to take flomax first dose on the first day and from the second day you can take both at a time. Consult your doctor for further assistance.
Best.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the quick reply Dr Veena.  Another question for you:  should I take Flomax BEFORE taking Cipro?  I've heard taking Flomax and hour or 2 before will soften the prostate and allow the antibiotic to better penetrate the prostate?  Does it matter if I take them in the morning or evening, or is the rule just be consistent?

Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
     Thanks for writing in. Prostatitis is usually not a side effect of use of flomax, indeed it can happen due to BPH, for which flomax is used as treatment. It would be better to get prostrate examination done by a urologist and take opinion for surgery for resolving these symptoms.
Choice of antibiotics depends upon the kind of organism affecting the prostrate.
Best.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've wondered the same thing.  I started taking Flomax in November 2007 and shortly therafter developed a severe case of prostitits.  My Dr. put me on several different antibiotics, including Cipro before Doxycycline finally helped.  When I had a relapse in April 2009 Doxycycline didn't work, but Cipro seems to be helping.  I've lived on Pyridium throughout these periods, I'm told it isn't harmful but I have my doubts.

My Dr. can't explain what triggers these bouts or why antibiotics help - much less why some work sometimes and not others.  I've suspected Flomax is part of my problem, but I've also stopped biking to eliminate any chance it may aggravate my prostate.

Any thoughts or comments?

Thanks.
  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
      How are you? Flomax (tamsulosin) is a selective alpha blocker used for treating BPH. One of the side effects of this drug is retrograde ejaculation. Normally, the sphincter of the bladder contracts and the ejaculate goes to the urethra. But in retrograde ejaculation the sphincter does not function properly.

Once you stop using this drug it’s effect on the sphincter also fades off. I would suggest that you visit your urologist and discuss the above mentioned possibility and follow his advise.
Best.
Helpful - 0
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