BPH

[CloudMist]

I have read that botox injections into the prostate are very effective at improving urine stream and retention problems without the incontinence and retrograde ejaculation problems associated with surgery.

I understand that the injections would need to be repeated annually but that seems to be a minor inconvenience compared to the alternatives.

I think that the procedure has not been approved by the FDA but is that required anyway - can I just ask my urologist to do it and are there any side effects?

[morg21279]

This doesn't sound right to me. My urologist will use botox as a bulking agent for some guys that have incontinence issues that need some bulking filler to tighten the sphincter. Since BPH is a prostate that's alteady too big, it seems that botox would only make it bigger.

I did the flomax / saw palmetto, etc. route for a couple years, with good results at first, but getting worse after the first twelve months or so.

My view is that once the aggravation of the prostate clearly outweighs the risks and inconvenience of laser surgery, it's time to have the surgery, until then, hang with the drugs.

[CloudMist]

Thanks for your response.

I agree that it seems odd but there seem to be some authoritative studies that are showing very positive results. Have a look at these links:

http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-bph-expert.html
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588061
http://www.jurology.com/article/S0022-5347(06)01956-2/abstract
"There are 8 current peer reviewed publications on the injection of botulinum neurotoxin in the prostate. Cystoscopic transurethral or transperineal/transrectal ultrasound guided techniques have been used. Outcome improvement reported includes decreases in prostate size, prostate specific antigen and residual urine volume, and improvement in the flow rate and symptom score lasting 6 months or longer."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MXXjPqrwCw

Regards,

CM

[mrcoyote]

My advice here would be to talk to your urologist about this particular procedure. I've never heard of it, but that doesn't mean it isn't out there. Your urologist will know if this is a viable alternative. You can't "tell him you want it", as you say, but you can ask whatever you want. They won't do what you want, they will only do what they know will benefit you and what will work for you, the patient.

[CloudMist]

Thanks. I will let you know what he says.

[moe_greene]

I have never heard of this procedure, but for a lot of dermatologists it seems to be a cure all. If your urologist is like mine he'll put you on one of the many drugs for prostatitis before recommending surgery. In my case rapaflo works pretty well. I was on flomax, but that seemed to make the problem worse. Good luck.

[CloudMist]

Thanks. Actually the brightest light at the end of the tunnel seems to me to be Nymox NX1207.
See:
http://www.urotoday.com/41/browse_categories/bph__male_luts/nymox_announces_start_of_second_phase_3_trial_for_nx1207_for_bph.html
and
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129620.php.

At age 51, I am certainly not happy to accept the potential for adverse side effects that accompany TURP and so-called less invasive treatments.

Rgds.