Diagnosed with BPH and had a turps about 10years ago.Over the years also developed an overactive bladder together with a return of BPH symptons. Urologist was reluctant to recommend further surgery as I have a neuropathy issue and feared that this may lead to incontinence. I manage this issue with a combination of Mirabegron and intermittent catheterisation for the OAB and have been taking Finasteride 5mg to shrink the prostate. I have found however that after almost 3 years taking the Finasteride I had difficulty getting erections even when taking Sildenafil also when having an ejaculation these produced no semen. I spoke to my GP and came off the Finasteride for a trial period although this resulted in making the catharising more difficult so I am assuming that the Finasteride was having an effect on shrinking the prostate. I went back on Finasteride which then resulted again in the previous erection difficulties and I am sure also a reduction in penis size as having been circumcised in my childhood I now find that my glans is part covered by skin,maybe this is old age (80). I cut the dose of Finasteride down from 5mg to 2.5 mg and have found that this improves the ability to get a semi erection naturally. I would like to know if others have experience with Finasteride on long term use and its effects.
I am in a very similar situation. I have been taking Finasteride on and off for years. Currently on 2.5mg a day. I am also currently self cathing to make sure my bladder can be emptied out few times a day. Same experience when on Finas, harder to get an erection and less ejaculation. When off, harder to catherize, even getting blood in the urine. Last time, after a long period of off, I had so much blood in urine for over a week. The bleeding stopped few days after I started Finas again.
You do not want to self cath unless you have substantial urine retention.
Thanks for reply I catheterise once or twice a day or, maybe again if I am going on a trip Had been retaining up to 150ml. but removing this has made it possible to do longer trips without the need to be always thinking where is the nearest toilet, if necessary I will also use a discrete mens incontinence pad as a back up. I experienced similar problems of bleeding after stopping Finasteride when catheterising and this stopped when going back on it. I think the sexual dysfunction of taking this medication long term was somewhat dismissed by the urologist. Reducing the 5mg to 2.5mg offered slight improvement and even when completely coming off Finasteride normal responses did not return I suppose you have to weigh up the shrinking of prostate is better and accept some of these unwelcome side effects It has been good to learn your experiences as I was beginning to think I was the only one having some of these issues
Have been catheterising for some time as was not emptying bladder completely retaining 150ml of urine. Catheterise once or twice a day or again if going on a trip where finding a toilet is an issue will use a discrete male incontinence pad as a back up if needed. This has relieved me of the worry of being caught short when out.
reducing finasteride from 5mg to 2.5mg has helped with some aspects of the sexual dysfunction Finasteride causes but I don’t think things will now return as before.
Are you cathing because of urgency and/or frequecy? As far as 150ml of retention, it is at the border line of cathing or not cathing. Mine is normally worse, around 300ml so there was no question about it.
Hi cathing because of urgency and frequency found I was passing some urine before getting to the toilet, being put on Mirabegron and the Finasteride improved urgency and the Finasteride the stream also cathing and emptying bladder of the retained urine was a great improvement, apart from the side effects of the finasteride which still persist, although reducing dose has had a small improvement in that aspect. Although not retaining as much urine as yourself I find that emptying that last 150+ml makes all the difference if done before bed I do not need to get up in the night for the bathroom. The speedicath flex catheters are easy to use with little or no discomfit.
Wow I also use Coloplast Speedi Cath Coude Flex. It is the best cath that I experience, and I experienced many. My main reason for cathing, other than for kidney health, is to be able to sleep longer.
Instead of Mirabegron, you may want to try an alpha blocker. It may help you lower the retention. You may be able to stop cathing.
Hi have used Coloplast when first catheterisng with the straight compact this was ok for a long time but eventually found it difficult to insert accurately and did end up with a couple of infections.Using the flex set much better as catheter covered by sleeve and not exposed.
Hi did have erection difficulties but was managing with taking sildenafil although was put on max 100mg.was also self catheterisng once or twice a day.
Prescribed Finasteride to shrink prostate and this seemed to help good flow and less urgency. But over the 2 years taking it getting an erection was difficult also had dry ejaculations and also sure some reduction in penis size had circumcision when 7/8 years old but now find skin partially covers glans.It also tended to produce low mood feelings though not too bad.Stopping Finasteride for a trial period did result in ability to have partial erection spontaneously and with Sildenafil a good erection but still dry ejaculations but unfortunately made self cathing difficult.Finasteride cut down from 5mg to 2.5 which has made cathing ok and am still able to get a semi erection spontaneously this seems to be the happy medium. Urologist I saw seemed to down play the side effects of this medication.It has helped to discuss this topic with others who have had similar issues and does help if feeling low.
Hi again just received my next prescription of Finasteride and included was a Patient Alert Card which warns of the possible side effects ,“thoughts of suicide” “decreased sex drive” and “erectile dysfunction” ( which can continue after stopping the medication) and advises that you speak to your doctor on the card or report side effects to the Uk government yellow card scheme. There is a space to insert your Doctors details if you are suffering depression or suicidal thoughts. I think the card is meant to be carried on your person possibly. Wish I had been fully aware of the longer term effects before taking it
Yes still experience some issues did not really have depression but a more general “take it or leave it” feeling and the sexual dysfunction. Reduction of Finasteride from 5mg to 2.5mg has made a difference feel much better in myself and regarding sexual dysfunction am able to get semi erections and with the aid of sildenafil something approaching normal, however still experience dry ejaculation, when I came off the Finasteride for a trial period none of these issues returned to normal and I believe that in some men they may never. Finasteride does seem to control prostate size as my urinary symptoms together with self catheterisation once or twice a day allow me to manage urgency and freqency.
Have not come across this treatment have visited the website and have initially signed up to there email list. I do think I have a reasonable diet and do exercise regularly and maintain a good weight there may however be room for improvement. While on the net I did find some research papers on PFS and was glad to see that it is a more recognised condition, something I think not always made known when the medication is prescribed.
One of the papers did mention that reducing the dosage of the medication had increased the long-term side effects in some men although I think the number was not large and age was another factor. I have to say however that reducing the dose in my own case has in fact helped all be it not a return to normal function
checked out the blog found it very informative wish I had had this info before going on to Finasteride and hope that potential new users of this medication are made aware of the side effects and PFS especially younger age men who are taking it for hair loss treatment. Reading the Blog I was amazed at the range of side effects that PFS encompasses and glad that I did not have some of them, although looking back at certain issues I wander if Finasteride was a contributor to them. I am not sure if all local GPs are fully aware of the side effects and of PFS, as when the urologist first prescribed he was somewhat dismissive of the side effects on an age basis. Consequent doctor appointments relating to increasing sexual dysfunction did not raise any comments regarding Finasteride other than to increase the dosage of Sildenafil to the max as and when needed although this was not as effective as it was.
Thank you for all your information it has been very informative. I will keep a watch on the Forum as it is helpful to know how others have coped or are coping with these problems.
Take care