I have been diagnosed with what appears to be an inflamed prostate. What should I do?

Question

My doctor has prescribed a medication called Sivem Tamsulosin CR 0.4 mg. This medication has side effects that I would like to avoid. I was told about saw palmetto fruit. Is it effective? Since I had a heart attack in March 2018, is it advisable to take it? Thank you for your attention. Hello, Mr. Chagnon, How are you? I thank you very much for your answer. It will help me make a decision. The effects I was talking about were low blood pressure, dizziness and lightheadedness and low energy. Your answer leads me to ask a second question: if I did not take anything and let the prostate go as it is now, would it be dangerous for my health? My father had surgery for BPH, would surgery be a good idea? Thank you for your consideration.

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Sir, Backswimmer works differently than tamsulosin. This is because its effect is more on the size of the prostate, whereas the medication you have been prescribed will instead dilate the small sphincter that allows urine to flow better when you urinate. Next, be aware that 3 relatively recent studies have failed to show a positive effect of saw palmetto. This doesn't necessarily mean that no one can benefit from it, but rather that before stopping a drug that works (but gives side effects), better think twice because your "inflamed" prostate may no longer be compensated by a drug. Finally, be aware that some of the side effects of tamsulosin are transient and that by continuing to take it, the situation may improve. In fact, what side effects are we talking about here? Hello Sir, It's going very well, thanks for asking :) Tamsulosin does not reduce the size of the prostate, but rather will allow for dilation of the sphincter that allows for urination (and ejaculation). Thus, stopping taking it will not necessarily induce a risk, but will bring back the symptoms that brought you to see a doctor in the first place (decreased urine stream pressure, difficulty initiating urination). To decrease the size of the prostate (and possibly reduce the risk of its size becoming problematic), you should instead use a product like Proscar™ (finasteride) or dutasteride (or saw palmetto). That said, taking these medications will also improve your symptoms of decreased urine flow, but it will take longer up to 8-12 weeks. Also, there is no guarantee that taking these types of medications will reduce the long-term risk of the prostate getting bigger because it contains a tumor. Finally, regarding surgery, it is being done less and less (and almost exclusively when the prostate contains a tumor), because it causes serious and quite debilitating side effects (many men become incontinent..). Bref, nothing perfect here, but if the side effects of tamsulosin are significant, I would recommend discussing with your doctor the possibility of introducing a drug like finasteride. Happy evening to you! Alexander