Millions of men will experience the frustrating and unwanted symptoms of an enlarged prostate, like urinary urgency, getting up in the middle of the night, and difficulty urinating. Fortunately, there are many helpful treatments to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Enlarged prostate medications are commonly used as a first step in treating BPH.
What is an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, or BPH, is a noncancerous condition. Over a man’s life, the prostate grows continuously. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can press against the urethra and cause changes to your regular urinary pattern.
Many men with BPH experience bothersome urinary symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination, often with urgency
- Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination)
- A weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting a urine stream
- An inability to empty the bladder completely
Medications can help alleviate symptoms by either relaxing the muscles in the prostate or shrinking the prostate itself to restore the natural flow of urine.
Enlarged Prostate Medications
There are several different types of medications used to treat an enlarged prostate and its symptoms.
- Alpha Blockers: Alpha blockers such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and doxazosin work by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck to make it easier for urine to flow through the urethra. One great feature of these medications is that they work quickly, so most men will see a difference in their urinary symptoms within a few days. People who take alpha-blockers may experience adverse effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or retrograde ejaculation (a condition where semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis).
- 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride work by blocking the production of DHT, a hormone known to contribute to prostate growth. Unlike alpha-blockers, these medications can take several months to improve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Still, they address the condition’s underlying cause instead of just improving the symptoms. Side effects of these medications can include erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors: These medications are primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction, but because they relax the smooth muscle of the bladder and prostate, they are sometimes used to relieve BPH symptoms. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are not used as often as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors but can be helpful for men who struggle with symptoms of both erectile dysfunction and BPH.
Side effects can include back and muscle pain, headaches, facial flushing, nasal congestion, an upset stomach, and visual disturbances. - Anticholinergics: Medications like oxybutynin and tolterodine are commonly used to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder, but they are also sometimes used to treat urinary urgency and frequency in men with an enlarged prostate. Side effects of anticholinergics can include dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
- Beta-3 Agonists: Mirabegron is a newer medication used to relax the bladder muscle to help alleviate urinary frequency in men with an enlarged prostate. Although well tolerated by most people, some may experience increased blood pressure or urinary tract infections when taking this medication.
How to Know Which Enlarged Prostate Medication is Right For You
Choosing the right enlarged prostate medication can feel overwhelming. An experienced urologist can help you navigate which option will be best for you, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the size of your prostate.
Don’t continue to live with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!