Prostate Medication Myths Debunked: Doctor Explains Side Effects of Two Main Drug Types

Many men seeking treatment for enlarged prostates worry that medication will diminish their sexual prowess, leading them to skip doses or avoid treatment altogether. However, doctors emphasize that this fear is often unfounded and can result in more serious health issues.

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If you experience conditions that affect sexual function, you can communicate with your doctor for adjustments, and it should be improved.

Su Xin-hao, deputy director of Fengshan Li Jiawen Urology Clinic, explained that common prostate medications are divided into two main types, each with distinct mechanisms and side effects. Alpha-blockers, for instance, relax the prostate and bladder neck muscles to improve urine flow without affecting libido or erection hardness. Some patients might experience reduced ejaculate volume due to retrograde ejaculation, a harmless condition that resolves after discontinuing the medication.

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Do not stop medication on your own due to rumors that 'prostate medication makes you limp,' as this can affect sleep, and even cause bladder or kidney damage, missing the opportunity for treatment and improvement.

The other category, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARi), works by reducing the conversion of male hormones to shrink the prostate. While these drugs can affect libido and erectile function in a small percentage of users (3-15%), this side effect is reversible. Patients experiencing such changes are advised to discuss them with their doctor for potential dosage adjustments or temporary cessation of the medication.

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This type of drug mainly relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, helping you urinate more smoothly. It does not affect libido or erection hardness. A small number of patients may experience a decrease in ejaculate volume, mainly due to the 'retrograde ejaculation' produced after the prostate relaxes (ejaculate goes towards the bladder), which is completely harmless to the body and will naturally recover after stopping the medication.

Su stressed that neglecting an enlarged prostate can lead to more than just disrupted sleep; it can cause bladder dysfunction, urine reflux, and kidney damage. He urged patients not to self-medicate or stop prescribed treatments based on hearsay, as modern medicine offers solutions to improve quality of life and manage the condition effectively.

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This type of drug works by inhibiting the conversion of male hormones to fundamentally shrink the prostate. It does have a certain probability (3-15%) of slightly affecting libido, which in turn affects erectile function. However, this side effect is reversible. If you feel changes during medication, remember to report them to your doctor during your follow-up visit, and adjustments can be made by reducing the dosage or temporarily stopping the medication, and function can be improved quickly.