Can I Take Stool Softeners While Having Treatment For Prostatitis?
I am 29 year old male a month ago I started having urinating problems (weak urine stream, pain and burning sensation in lower abdomen and pain at the penis). The problems were mild at first as they developed a week ago I went to see a urologist who did a digital rectal exam and found my prostate to be tender. he concluded I had prostatitis and prescribed me ciprofloxacin 500 mg for 4 weeks (for prostatitis) and tamsulosin 400mcg for 4 weeks (for improving urine stream), after which I have a follow up appointment with him. I have had the two medications for 7 days now. My urine stream improved slightly and though I still get discomfort sometimes in most occasion I can urinate without difficulty. But I am getting constipation probably from cipro or tamsulosin and the stools are now really large dry and well formed and difficult to expel out. I also get bloating. I did not have constipation before and usually go to the toilet 2-3 times every day and I have not changed my diet since starting the medication. Passing stool seems to get more difficult every day and I am wondering if a stool softner or probiotic would help. Can I take a stool softner or laxative for three weeks? What do you suggest. Thank you.
You need to take appropriate antibiotic as per culture report.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your query ,based on the facts that you have posted it appears that you have been diagnosed to have Prostatitis and prescribed Ciprofloxacin and Tomsulosin .
I shall be happy if you can post me few more details to help me in making comments on your problem.
1) Have you done urine culture to trace out organisms causing this infection and their sensitivity pattern,
2) Has your urologist done culture of a discharge from urethra obtained after doing prostate massage ? It helps to get the prostate secretions directly from prostate and to establish a pin point diagnosis.
Continue taking medicines prescribed by your Urologist and discuss with him regarding the tests I have suggested .
As regards constipation that you have It is likely to be due side effect of these drugs ..
Ensure to drink more water .
Take stool softener like Naturolax granules or Cremaffin suspension at night .
Hope I have answered your query ,please feel free to ask if you have more questions ,I shall be happy to help you
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil
Answers to your question:
My doctor has not done urine culture or obtained discharge from the urethra. I will discuss with him these tests. He just did a digital rectal exam. It hurt my prostate and also the tip of my penis when he pressed on my prostate.
My NHS GP has ordered some blood tests including PSA and thyroid function test, the results of which will take a week.
Thank you for your advise regarding constipation meds. i will try to get them.
Regards,
XXXX
Do write after you get reports
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up
Continue
Taking medicines and do write afteyou get the reports ofr the tests.
Thanks and Regards.
.Dr.Patil