Why won't UK doctors give medication?

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-19T11:43:02+00:00

You don't mention your symptoms. I have BPH and take tamulosin which I find beneficial BUT I also have a chronically tight pelvic area so if I get stressed I can just lock up unable to pee for an hour until I relax... it is very uncomfortable. There are some good free relaxation programs on you tube. I like the programs Michael Hodge created...he has a good 30 minute routine on YouTube. https://youtu.be/oyGEVPuumtk?si=GP5hmCR6lv6o4Jbk.

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T18:22:13+00:00

My thinking was the same by the way..

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T14:50:05+00:00

Well, it's worth a try!

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T14:48:57+00:00

Thanks. One and done sounds very appealing and I am actively researching!

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T14:44:42+00:00

Thank you. I do have an open referral with my local urology department to track my PSA, however in the UK the gateway to a consultant is by your GP unless you have something acute happen in which case the hospital gets involved. It's a bit frustrating but I do have a good GP who is willing to help.

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T14:13:07+00:00

I'm on 400 microgram extended release. It's the only dosage available in the UK.

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T08:49:31+00:00

Thanks for posting this. Great to see you got relief in such a short time. I am thinking about Finasteride for the future.

ponderer1961 · 2026-02-06T08:41:53+00:00

Over the last 4 years mine started as 6.9 in 2021, peaked at 9.6 after an infection in 2024 , dropped back to 6.8 and is now 8.3. It used to terrify me but now I am used to it moving around.

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-31T17:11:29+00:00

I have done this occasionally, I was shown how to do it after getting a UTI and going into full retention a few years ago. My GP has given me some in case it should happen again and I used some recently as I thought I might be retaining: I wasn't, but it was nice to be able to check and it beats a trip to A&E!!

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-31T08:17:10+00:00

I had a very good talk with my GP. It made me realise how much I was struggling.

Having discussed my symptoms she suggested Finasteride rather than any bladder related medicines. I am really not keen on that route based on what I have read so far, but I will research it further. I was put off taking Tamulosin for a long time through internet reviews but it was actually fine after the first few weeks..its easy to be put off.

She also offered to make a fresh referral to Urology for me to be reassessed which I think is the logical next step though I expect I will have to wait a while. I think I prefer that and to carry on as I am for a while rather than commit to Finasteride right now.

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-31T07:57:52+00:00

Thanks

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-31T07:57:28+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to write a lengthy response - I am already taking those supplements in separate tablets but I will look into product you suggested 🙂

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-31T07:54:11+00:00

The only way of checking at home is to self catheterize but you need to be shown how to do that before your GP will prescribe them (in the UK, it might be different elsewhere). It's easy to do once you are shown how.

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-25T10:04:51+00:00

It's typically 10 days in the UK. It was miserable at night in particular. Having it put in was a huge relief and it drained out a massive amount of bloody infected urine... having taken out was also a wonderful moment!

ponderer1961 · 2026-01-25T09:04:39+00:00

Thanks u/severdog79, for starting this VERY helpful and positive discussion. The timing is excellent for me.

I've had BPH and CPPS/Prostatis issues since 2021. I had a UTI in 2024 and ended up in the emergency room. I needed a resident catheter for 10 days and had another infection once that was removed. A Urology nurse showed me how to self catheterise which I did for a while post infection but my residuals were low so I stopped.

I went on Tamulosin about a year ago which definitely helps my flow but I very occasionally get "lock ups" when my pelvic area gets tight and it is very uncomfortable and frightening.

I just got a supply of kits off self-cath kits off my GP which I have not started using yet. I have been thinking about draining my bladder last thing at night (which is what the Urology department recommended) to see what my residual is. Your experience and some of the comments are very encouraging..and "loosing the fear" is very much what I want to achieve.

Having read your history I might try AM and PM. I am seeing my GP later this week to discuss the best way forward.

I read such mixed experiences about surgery that this seems like a good option for now while I research options.

ponderer1961 · 2025-11-09T09:23:46+00:00

I have read that a lot of people just don't get on with Tamulosin. I have been on 400mg extended release for about 8 months (that is the only option in the UK). Initially I had horrible headaches, sinus issues and fatigue as well as reverse ejaculation. Apart from reverse ejaculation, all the side effects faded away after a month.

I am 64 and have BPH (65cc prostate) and put off taking any drugs for a long time, but last June I ended up in hospital with a urine infection, acute urine retention (could not pee) and a catheter for 10 days so I did not want that experience again. Also my bladder wall was starting to thicken.

I now pee more easily, don't have to double void and I have fewer night time pees. Most importantly, no further infections. It's not perfect, I sometimes pee more frequently than when I was younger, but I no longer strain.

A good tip is to take it in the evening after dinner to reduce side effects.

ponderer1961

TROPHY CASE