Q. I have to get up three or four times a night to pee. My doctor tells me that it is a benign prostate problem, but there is nothing benign about it because I often have a hard time getting back to sleep.
I was prescribed terazosin but it has not helped enough to make a difference. My doctor doesn’t know what else to suggest. Any ideas?
A. Several other medications might work, including finasteride (Proscar) or tadalafil (Cialis). Unfortunately, finasteride has been linked to long-lasting negative sexual side effects. Some men report low libido, erectile problems or less satisfying orgasms (Journal of Sexual Medicine, Nov. 2012).
Cialis has been approved for prostate symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction. Unless your insurance pays for it, however, this drug is pricey when you take it every day.
Another surprising option is vitamin D (Canadian Journal of Urology, Aug. 2013). Preliminary studies suggest that taking at least 600 IU daily may help shrink the prostate gland and reduce inflammation.
To learn more about this crucial nutrient and whether your levels are adequate, you may want to consult our Guide to Vitamin D Deficiency.
