Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Stephen W. Leslie, MD

---

Jack wrote at 2007-03-27 10:47:55
To this answer, I would simply add that some medications were better on some people than others.  In my case, Avodart was dramatically more effective in reducing the bathroom trips.  The side effect of semen reduction was significant with Flomax.  Add to that the likelihood that Avodart can help avoid getting the procedure.

---

Bob A wrote at 2008-09-30 18:15:25
I originally started with Flomax but switched to Avodart for an enlarged prostate.  Flomax was always superior for cutting down on trips to the bathroom (one per night), whereas on Avodart, I usually take about five trips. I mainly switched to Avodart due to the semen reduction and impotence problem I had with Flomax. Initially, Avodart was a vast improvement in this area, but lately, after two years of Avodart, I'm having similar semen reduction symptoms as I originally had with Flomax.

---

zoomzoom wrote at 2010-04-27 23:20:33
I have been taken Avodart for 4 months.  The results have been fairly dramatic.  Urinating is much better, the pain is lessened and general prostate health greatly improved.  I will have a follow up visit to my urologist in June and suspect that the prostate is significantly reduced in size---no more zingers or feeling that there is a lump  in my groin. The only significant side effect is a reduction in ejaculate and sometimes a retro ejaculation.  No reduction in libido.  I am 65 years old and feel encouraged---but time will tell.  So far, so good.  You just have to be patient.

---

cachef1 wrote at 2011-02-22 03:56:02
I recently switched to Avodart from Flomax with my doctors approval. It seemed to make more sense to attack the problem than to relac the muscle through the prostate with obvious sexual side effects for me. I must agree that it does not take 6 months for Avodart to work. It may take that long to clinically shrink the prostate but not to have an effect. Then again it did not take a week for Flomax to work for me either. Overnight made a huge difference.  

---

Jerry wrote at 2011-12-04 02:06:53
Everyone is different but I was on Avodart for 6 months for BPH. I hated it.  My libido dropped to near zero, my breasts became extremely irritable, and my semen production was reduced to almost none.  Normally a very happy, energetic 68 year old I was constantly tired and miserable.  I took myself off of the medication, and it took 6 months to return to normal.  One caution about Flomax and it's generic equivalent. it is not recommended for men who have cataracts as I do.  Instead I use the generic form of Uroxatral and it works fine.  Good luck.

---