Hi,
How are you? Proscar or finasteride is usually indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It is important that you take the medicine as prescribed. If you experience side effects or if you plan to discontinue it, it is best that you discuss this with your doctor, who knows your medical history and the management plan of your condition. Side effects of proscar include trouble getting or keeping an erection, decrease in sex drive, decreased volume of ejaculate, and ejaculation disorders. Take care and do keep us posted.
Hi,
I'm not familiar with the Proscar, but have been on Flomax from 1994 till 2008. At first it was believed that problems with urination were due to an obstruction at the bladderneck. In 1995 at the age of 30, I had a T'URP and resection of the bladderneck. Later after a urodynamics test, I was found to have a neurogenic bladder. The Flomax worked for me to enable me to urinate during the day. I also used self catheterization to ensure that my bladder was empty. Without the Flomax, I will only be able to urinate by using a catheter.
In 2008 I ended up with a fistual between my prostate and rectum and have had a suprapubic catheter in for the last 3.5 years.
Currently, I'm 47 and have not had any sort of sex life since 2008. Even before that, I used penile injections to obtain an erection. With the penile injections my wife and I were able to engage in sexual intercourse. This all stopped in 2008 when I ended up with the catheter.
As much as I would enjoy a fairly normal sex life again, I can assure you that I would much rather do without sex and have any chance of normal urination again. Most likely neither one is possible for me. If the drugs help with urination, I would remain on them and gladly take the side effects of sexual dysfunction.
Currently I will have to decide whether I will remain with the suprapubic catheter or will have a surgery to alter the flow of urine. This would mean closing the urethra to the penis and having a dry stoma created on the abdominal wall that I can self cath again.
I understand that sex is part of a quallity of life, however I would give it up if it would restore normal urination for me. There are other ways for my wife and I to be intimate.
All the best,
Ron