Treatments for BPH
Selective α1-Adrenergic Blockers
Often the first line of therapy for men with the symptoms of BPH, these medications work by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate itself to make it easier to urinate.
These medications include: Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Silodosin, Tamsulosin and Terazosin.
5α-reductase Inhibitors
There are two medications that work to shrink the prostate to reduce the symptoms of BPH. These are Finasteride and
Dutasteride. These medications take months to work, and the prostate will grow back in size if the medication is discontinued.
One medication, Cialis for Daily Use (tadalafil 5mg) has been indicated for use in BPH patients who also have ED. This medication often requires prior authorization or is not reimbursed by many insurance companies.
GreenLight™ Laser Therapy combines the effectiveness of the “gold standard” transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgical procedure with fewer side effects and no overnight stay. The result is a wide open channel for urine flow to pass through, but with fewer risks of side effects, including erectile dysfunction and bleeding, common with TURP.
A traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is performed to remove the section of an enlarged prostate that is blocking urine flow. Surgical instruments are used to cut away the extra prostate tissue. It is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires post procedure hospitalization of one or two days.
About five percent of men who undergo traditional TURP have severe bleeding and require transfusion of blood. About two percent develop TURP Syndrome. This occurs when the body absorbs too much of the fluid used to rinse the area where the prostate tissue is being removed. About two percent of men need another operation after three years.
