Enlarged prostate treatments

[engjock]

Hi all. As a regular fan/contributor to this fantastic website, I know how open, honest and helpful most members are, so I’m hoping that people can help me.

Unlike women and the menopause or breast cancer, as men our problem of an enlarged prostate is very much in the shadow. That’s possibly because we don’t like to admit that we’re not 100% fit or that our bodies are failing, even if it’s not our fault. It’s also about time that we admit and talk about our failings, insecurities and worries without feeling that we’re wimps or that we’ll be laughed at or denigrated.

I’ve just been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate which is fortunately benign, but is causing a blockage in my urethra. As I’m sure that many of you are aware, this is a problem that affects most men as they grow older.

However, my consultant has said that I need to have my prostate ‘shaved’ which should unblock my urethra. I have been given a leaflet which explains the procedure and the alternative treatments, plus the possible side effects, most of which which are in the range of 10%-50% of all patients.

To be quite honest, I’m most anxious about the two most talked about side effects of incontinence and impotence, but I’d also like advice etc. about other people’s experiences of the different treatment, particularly the latest laser treatments which are still relatively new in the UK.

As everyone on here are (I presume) men and I’d imagine quite a few members will have had experience of this problem, the surgical procedures and their outcomes, it seems an ideal place to get advice, tips and opinions.

Therefore, please could any of you offer advice on treatment, real life experiences, side effects etc., or anything else about all of the issues surrounding this very common problem which will affect most of us from about 50 onwards.

If anyone doesn’t want to divulge information to all and sundry about which they’d rather keep private, but nevertheless want to be ope, please just message me privately.

With thanks in advance.
Peter aka engjock

 

[CCMBike]

Hi all. As a regular fan/contributor to this fantastic website, I know how open, honest and helpful most members are, so I’m hoping that people can help me.
Unlike women and the menopause or breast cancer, as men our problem of an enlarged prostate is very much in the shadow. That’s possibly because we don’t like to admit that we’re not 100% fit or that failing, even if it’s not our fault. It’s also about time that we admit and talk about our failings, insecurities and worries without feeling that we’re wimps or that we’ll be laughed at or denigrated.
I’ve just been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate which is fortunately benign, but is causing a blockage in my urethra. As I’m sure that many of you are aware, this is a problem that affects most men as they grow older.
However, my consultant has said that I need to have my prostate ‘shaved’ which should unblock my urethra. I have been given a leaflet which explains the procedure and the alternative treatments, plus the possible side effects, most of which which are in the range of 10%-50% of all patients.
To be quite honest, I’m most anxious about the two most talked about side effects of incontinence and impotence, but I’d also like advice etc. about other people’s experiences of the different treatment, particularly the latest laser treatments which are still relatively new in the UK.
As everyone on here are (I presume) men and I’d imagine quite a few members will have had experience of this problem, the surgical procedures and their outcomes, it seems an ideal place to get advice, tips and opinions.
Therefore, please could any of you offer advice on treatment, real life experiences, side effects etc., or anything else about all of the issues surrounding this very common problem which will affect most of us from about 50 onwards.
If anyone doesn’t want to divulge information to all and sundry about which they’d rather keep private, but nevertheless want to be ope, please just message me privately.
With thanks in advance.
Peter aka engjoc.

Sent you a private message.

 

[BillyC]

Peter, we don’t have any experience with prostate issues — surprising, given the way I’ve abused my husband’s every chance I got for the past almost 12 years! But I digress . . . and wanted to say two things.

First, bravo on your openness and totally agree that as men with male health issues we SHOULD be talking about them, helping eachother and raising awareness.

Second, we’ll be sending you plenty of positive energy as you navigate both the physical and mental aspects of the treatments and your recovery. Take good care.

 

[Bike57]

I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate in my 30's. I have tried a couple different meds over the years. Flomax was prescribed first but resulted in retrograde ejaculation where your load goes back into your bladder. That was rough when you are in your 30's and used to a decent amount of semen shooting out. So we settled on Hytrin (Terazosin) for the last 20 years with pretty good results. I have even reduced the dosage in the last 5 years. It will lower your blood pressure as well but it has not affected getting an erection or orgasm. It's worth a try rather than doing something surgical and then regretting it later. Good luck to you.

 

[WpbMike]

Hi all. As a regular fan/contributor to this fantastic website, I know how open, honest and helpful most members are, so I’m hoping that people can help me.

Unlike women and the menopause or breast cancer, as men our problem of an enlarged prostate is very much in the shadow. That’s possibly because we don’t like to admit that we’re not 100% fit or that failing, even if it’s not our fault. It’s also about time that we admit and talk about our failings, insecurities and worries without feeling that we’re wimps or that we’ll be laughed at or denigrated.

I’ve just been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate which is fortunately benign, but is causing a blockage in my urethra. As I’m sure that many of you are aware, this is a problem that affects most men as they grow older.

However, my consultant has said that I need to have my prostate ‘shaved’ which should unblock my urethra. I have been given a leaflet which explains the procedure and the alternative treatments, plus the possible side effects, most of which which are in the range of 10%-50% of all patients.

To be quite honest, I’m most anxious about the two most talked about side effects of incontinence and impotence, but I’d also like advice etc. about other people’s experiences of the different treatment, particularly the latest laser treatments which are still relatively new in the UK.

As everyone on here are (I presume) men and I’d imagine quite a few members will have had experience of this problem, the surgical procedures and their outcomes, it seems an ideal place to get advice, tips and opinions.

Therefore, please could any of you offer advice on treatment, real life experiences, side effects etc., or anything else about all of the issues surrounding this very common problem which will affect most of us from about 50 onwards.

If anyone doesn’t want to divulge information to all and sundry about which they’d rather keep private, but nevertheless want to be ope, please just message me privately.

With thanks in advance.
Peter aka engjock

Wishing you the best. I haven’t had any issues, so don’t really know how to react, but know that we will be thinking of you during your treatment.

 

[The Bike Man.]

About 4 years ago I had issues with enlarged prostrate that has been issue for me. Finally had operation to reduce size of prostrate. The dark side of the operation is I produce less semen.

 

[Jockstrapguy]

This is a repeat of what I said in our private message but here it is publicly:

One of our best friends just had the same issue - an extreme enlarged prostrate and like you, it wasn't cancer related. He lives down in Puerto Vallarta during the winter and his health insurer was contemplating flying him home to Toronto to have the operation done but he was hoping to have it done in Mexico as in Mexico, they're able to do the procedure laparoscopically and his doctor here in Toronto was doing it old school.

Luckily, the insurer agreed to allow him to get it done in Mexico. He had the procedure (like you, scraping of the prostrate) done a month ago and although he had a small complication with an infection, he's now home and pretty well back to normal. He was complaining about a bit of urine leakage but said it was mostly resolved the last time we spoke to him.

Keep the faith. The doctors have to tell you about "possible" side effects but they don't happen to everyone and hopefully you'll be one of the ones with none. My doctors have told me that I could face the same side effects with three of my operations - and I still have full functionality in the urinating and ejaculating department.

Don't forget, England's new King also just had this same issue! It sounds to be pretty common in men at some point in their lives.

 

[BillyC]

This is a repeat of what I said in our private message but here it is publicly:

One of our best friends just had the same issue - an extreme enlarged prostrate and like you, it wasn't cancer related. He lives down in Puerto Vallarta during the winter and his health insurer was contemplating flying him home to Toronto to have the operation done but he was hoping to have it done in Mexico as in Mexico, they're able to do the procedure laparoscopically and his doctor here in Toronto was doing it old school.

Luckily, the insurer agreed to allow him to get it done in Mexico. He had the procedure (like you, scraping of the prostrate) done a month ago and although he had a small complication with an infection, he's now home and pretty well back to normal. He was complaining about a bit of urine leakage but said it was mostly resolved the last time we spoke to him.

Keep the faith. The doctors have to tell you about "possible" side effects but they don't happen to everyone and hopefully you'll be one of the ones with none. My doctors have told me that I could face the same side effects with three of my operations - and I still have full functionality in the urinating and ejaculating department.

Don't forget, England's new King also just had this same issue! It sounds to be pretty common in men at some point in their lives.

I was totally shouting FUCK YEAH when you mentioned full functionality for ejaculations . . . until you mentioned King Charles. Then I was like EWWWWWW, mostly because of Queen Horseface coming to mind!

Okay seriously, I’m the one who said BRAVO for discussing these things openly, and I meant it — BRAVO, John for the sharing and encouragement.

 

[engjock]

Hi all
Firstly I want to say a massive thankyou to @Jockstrapguy aka John for agreeing to add this discussion thread.
Next, many thanks for all of your messages of support and advice. Yes, there are several thousand miles and two different continents separating us, but all of your support (@BillyC and @WpbMike) and advice (@The Bike Man, @Bike57, @CCMBike, plus the guys who sent me private messages) has made me feel a lot more positive.
BTW Billy, about your description of The Queen, while you might think that, and I couldn’t possibly comment, at least King Chazza has her support. I can’t see him logging onto here to get advice and support!
if he did, however, @Jockstrapguy, you could always try applying for a Royal Warrant which would entitle you to put up ‘By Appointment to His Majesty the King, Purveyors of Jockstraps and General Jockstrap Chat, particularly if he bought a jockstrap from Jockstrap Central.

 

[BillyC]

Hi all
Firstly I want to say a massive thankyou to @Jockstrapguy aka John for agreeing to add this discussion thread.
Next, many thanks for all of your messages of support and advice. Yes, there are several thousand miles and two different continents separating us, but all of your support (@BillyC and @WpbMike) and advice (@The Bike Man, @Bike57, @CCMBike, plus the guys who sent me private messages) has made me feel a lot more positive.
BTW Billy, about your description of The Queen, while you might think that, and I couldn’t possibly comment, at least King Chazza has her support. I can’t see him logging onto here to get advice and support!
if he did, however, @Jockstrapguy, you could always try applying for a Royal Warrant which would entitle you to put up ‘By Appointment to His Majesty the King, Purveyors of Jockstraps and General Jockstrap Chat, particularly if he bought a jockstrap from Jockstrap Central.

I see what you did there — you all know how I enjoy the purloining of a novelist’s turn of phrase, and Dobbs has some immortal ones. The real question is — what would Francis Urquhart do to/about Queen Horseface? But, as you say, King Charles does have her support, so good for them. She can support his nuts until John gets that appointment and does the heavy lifting (did I just seriously imply that King Charles has big nuts?).

 

[Mike-Mike]

I also had enlarged prostate issues for year. I tried climax and even had to use catheters for about two years. That was not fun at all. Finally had the surgery you mentioned and only had one issue as a result and that is retrograde ejaculation. I'm lucky if I get very much sperm at all let alone "shoot."

I don't regret the surgery because catheters are expensive and embarrassing. I usually had to take two into work a day. Now all I have to worry about is how much cum I can get. If I have a good session I might even shoot up to my belly button. At least I still get hard and I still have the big O.

 

[Mike-Mike]

I also had enlarged prostate issues for year. I tried climax and even had to use catheters for about two years. That was not fun at all. Finally had the surgery you mentioned and only had one issue as a result and that is retrograde ejaculation. I'm lucky if I get very much sperm at all let alone "shoot."

I don't regret the surgery because catheters are expensive and embarrassing. I usually had to take two into work a day. Now all I have to worry about is how much cum I can get. If I have a good session I might even shoot up to my belly button. At least I still get hard and I still have the big O.

Flomax, not climax, spell check sucks sometimes

 

[engjock]

Flomax, not climax, spell check sucks sometimes

But I prefer sucking on a climax, Mike-Mike!
Thanks for your advice. It is gratefully received.

 

[engjock]

Hi everyone who has added to this discussion, as well as messaging me privately.
Firstly, thanks for all of your advice and messages of support and encouragement. Not only did they cheer me up, it also reinforced my opinion of what a great community exists at Your Jockstraps thanks to John and Adrian.
Anyway, I thought that I’d update y’all on what’s happened to me and my unwanted housemate, the enlarged prostate. I preferred the slimline version that had been my buddy for many years.
Having had a cystoscopy - it was extremely painful and so the Consultant and his team were a captive audience to my full range of Royal Naval vernacular, slang, swearing and decidedly rude phrases, telling them all what exactly what I thought about it. I did apologise afterwards BTW! (One of the nurses actually asked me later if I’d been in the Navy or the Royal Marines: she’d been a RN nurse, but she hadn’t heard such swearing since she left and it had brought back happy memories!
The Consultant seemed at a loss when I didn’t exactly jump for joy and hug him when he said, ‘There, it wasn’t too bad, was it? Oh, and by the way it’s not cancerous’ On reflection the next day, I was very relieved and grateful that it was benign.
However, he gave me four weeks to decide which method I wanted of shaving my prostate and being able to, in the words of someone who had it done, ‘Piss like a horse again.’ None of them, thanks.
I used the time instead to really research all of the alternative options from the totally loopy batshit crazy ones (very many, some of which seemed to borrow from Macbeth’s 3 Weird Sisters’ incantations), to the medically researched and peer-reviewed scientific ones (not so many).
I went back to see him today, fully prepared to have him scoff at what I wanted, which was to try a Saw Palmetto extract. Apparently some indigenous American tribes used this to treat - guess what? - urinary problems! It’s been licensed in the USA and the UK (although not on the NHS) and it can have the same effects as Tamsulosin in shrinking the prostate without the side effect of lowering blood pressure, which nearly did for me when it plummeted to from 140/79 to 115/50 In three days.
What the doc said was that while he wasn’t a fan of herbal medication, he agreed to let me try it over a 6 month period as he had heard that it can help shrink the prostate in some men.
Once I’ve started taking them I’ll keep you all up to speed in case others are in the same situation.
Peter