I'm 25 years old and I have problems urinating. I'm convinced it's
something to do with my prostrate because a couple of years ago I took a
slimming supplement containing ephedrine (heavily used it for about 8
months). My symptoms started around that time and having done some
reading, I see that ephedrine can cause an enlargement of the prostrate.

being 25, I'm finding it near impossible to get my doctor to take me
seriously. My first doctor chuckled when I told him what I thought it
was and prescribed anti-biotics for a urinary tract infection.  after
persistent requests, he referred me to a urologist who took the same
attitude.  He performed a cystoscopy and said it was a stricture. I was
advised not to have surgery at such a young age and to wait and see if
the problems persisted and it was left at that.

I've since changed doctors and this one is taking the same attitude. I'm
on yet another course of anti-biotics. He fails to even acknowledge my
protrate could be a problem and outright refused to perform a DRE.

I want to get opinions from other BPH sufferers. Sometimes, I'm able to
urinate freely (although the flow and duration is nowhere near what it
was before taking ephedrine). Other times, for two or three days at a
time I'm left doing the rain dance in the toilet because I completely
can't pass water.  It takes several hours before I'm able to pass even a
few drops. Needless to say when this happens, my entire day is wasted.
Does the inability to urinate come and go for BPH sufferers like it does
with me or is an enlarged prostate always enlarged and hence the
symptoms are always present?  do my symptoms sound like BPH?

It's getting to the point where I'm afraid to drink more than two cups a
day so I'd like to get this sorted. genuine comments and advice
appreciated.

thanks
d