WHAT ARE COMMON TREATMENTS Options OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

Drugs are usually tried first. Alpha-adrenergic blockers relax certain muscles of the prostate and bladder outlet and may improve the flow of urine.
A. tamsulosin
B. alfuzosin
C. terazosin
D. doxazosin
E. silodosin)

Some drugs (such as finasteride and dutasteride) may block the effects of the male hormones responsible for the prostate’s growth, shrinking the prostate and preventing or delaying the need for surgery or other treatments. However, finasteride and dutasteride may need to be taken for 3 months or more before symptoms are relieved.
A. Finasteride
B. Dutasteride

Also, some men who take finasteride or dutasteride never experience relief of their symptoms. Some men are treated with both an alpha-adrenergic blocker plus either finasteride or dutasteride.

And if no medications helps, then the recommended treatment is surgery.  

CAUTION:

1. Some of the alpha-adrenergic blocks such as Tamsulosin AND SURGERY can cause retrograde ejaculation, meaning that the semen that is usually produced in the prostate and ejaculated through the tip of the penis at the time of sexual climax will not come out the penis—but instead will go backwards up into the bladder.

2. All medication, including all the many medications used for BPH have side effects.

3. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.

4. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.

5. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY?

At first, men may have difficulty starting urination. Urination may also feel incomplete. Because the bladder does not empty completely, men have to urinate more frequently, often at night (nocturia). Also, the need to urinate may become more urgent. The volume and force of the urinary flow may diminish noticeably, and urine may dribble at the end of urination.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs as the result of a man’s prostate organ becoming too large. When it does this the urethra that passes though the prostate becomes narrow. This then makes it hard for the man to urinate. BPH becomes increasingly common as men age, especially after age 50. The precise cause is not known but probably involves changes caused by hormones, including testosterone and especially dihydrotestosterone (a hormone related to testosterone).

HOW IS OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy can be made with a careful history. However, the best method is get several tests to verify the diagnosis. It is especially important to obtain a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test to make certain the cause of urinary symptoms are NOT DUE TO prostate cancer.