In some cases, medications may be prescribed to deal with the symptoms of BPH. One key group of medicines, known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, can be used to block the natural hormone testosterone that makes the prostate enlarge. These can include finasteride and dutasteride, with the aim of shrinking the prostate, but these medicines do not help all patients. In some cases, the full effect of the treatment may take up to 6 months. The side effects of finasteride are rare and mild, but they usually have to do with sexual function. The side effects go away when the medicine is stopped.
In some cases, alpha-blockers are used which relax the smooth muscle in the prostate gland by blocking so called alpha receptors, allowing urine to flow more easily. They have been used for many years to treat high blood pressure, but they can also help the symptoms of BPH, even in men with normal blood pressure.
Some of these drugs are terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin and alfuzosin. If symptoms are helped, the improvement is usually apparent within a few days but the full effect may take 4-6 weeks. The side effects of alpha-blockers can include dizziness, fatigue and lightheadedness. The side effects go away when the medicine is stopped.
In some cases, your doctor could recommend a combination treatment with both alpha-blockers and alpha reductase inhibitors, both relaxing the muscle in the prostate gland and shrinking the prostate. A number of studies have suggested that in the majority of cases, combination treatment can be more effective than single treatment, especially where the level of prostate enlargement is significant (See Kirby. R. & McDonnell J. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Health press, pp43 in the directory).
These medicines do not deal with the causes of BPH, but help deal with the symptoms. After time, there may still be a need for surgery to deal with the cause. Between 13% and 39% of patients treated with alpha-blockers after 5 years may find that there is a need for a different treatment.
There has been some discussion as to plant-based and herbal remedies for BPH. Some studies began in the United States as to their effectiveness, but there is at present little detail available, although some aspects are mentioned in Jane Plant’s book on prostate cancer (see directory). A number of patient websites including the Prostate Help Association have also discussed the use of saw palmetto (see A-Z of antioxidants).
 |
 |
 |
 |