When Prostate Tablets Are No Longer Enough
By Dr. Ahmed Ali Alnaimi, Consultant Urological Surgeon
Tablets are usually the first treatment for an enlarged prostate, and for many men they work well. Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin relax the muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, often within days. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride or dutasteride slowly shrink the gland over several months.
But medication manages symptoms rather than removing the obstruction, and it is not the right answer for everyone forever.
Signs it may be time to review your treatment
- Your symptoms are creeping back despite taking tablets every day
- You still wake several times a night to pass urine
- Side effects bother you, such as dizziness, tiredness, reduced libido or changes in ejaculation
- You have had urine infections, bladder stones or blood in the urine linked to the prostate
- You have had an episode of being unable to pass urine
- Tests show your bladder is not emptying properly
- You would rather not take tablets for the rest of your life
Why waiting is not always harmless
A bladder that pushes against a blockage for years can thicken and weaken. Over time this can make symptoms harder to treat, even after the obstruction is removed. Reviewing your treatment while the bladder is still healthy keeps more options open.
Where Aquablation fits
For men ready to move beyond tablets, Aquablation removes the obstructing tissue with a heat-free waterjet after the treatment is mapped on ultrasound. Many men are able to stop their prostate medication afterwards, under medical guidance. It is designed to relieve symptoms while preserving sexual function, which matters to men who disliked the side effects of their tablets.
What to do next
Do not stop prescribed medication on your own. Book a review instead. A flow test, a bladder scan and a prostate ultrasound give a clear picture of how much the prostate is affecting you. Dr. Ahmed Ali Alnaimi can then explain whether continuing medication or moving to a procedure such as Aquablation makes more sense for you.
Every prostate, and every patient, is different. A consultation gives you a clear picture of your own options.
Preparing for Aquablation: Tests, Medicines and a Checklist