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Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Relief Center

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BPH & Sexual Concerns

It's only natural to have concerns about how sexual function might be affected by BPH. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about all of your concerns—as treatment may also cause sexual side effects.

Common sexual concerns:
  • Impotence – Some medications or surgical procedures may cause impotence, or the inability to have an erection. Surgery for BPH rarely causes long-term impotence. If a man was able to maintain an erection shortly before surgery, he will probably be able to have erections afterward.
  • Ejaculation – Both surgery and medications may cause a condition known as Retrograde Ejaculation. When this occurs, semen exits into the bladder instead of out of the penis during orgasm and later leaves the body during urination.
  • Decreased libido – Some medications may reduce the sex drive.
Keep in mind:

Complete recovery from symptoms caused by surgery can take up to one year.
The length of time for recovery depends on:

  • When the surgery was performed
  • How soon after the surgery the symptoms appeared
  • The type of surgery that was performed

Concern about sexual function can often interfere with performance as much as treatment itself. Men may be able to regain sexual function earlier by understanding how their medication works or by talking to their doctor before treatment. Some men also find it helpful to speak to a counselor after treatment.

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Indication

Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.

Important Safety Information

Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.

UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.

If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.

Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.

Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.

BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.

The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.

Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

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Watch real patient stories of how Uroxatral helped relieve BPH symptoms.