Prostate gland enlargement is a condition that usually affects men over 50. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. When the prostate gland enlarges, it can squeeze or block the urethra. This can cause problems with urination, such as a weak stream, dribbling, urinary retention, and urgency.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. It’s not cancerous and doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer. This condition occurs when your prostate gland begins to grow larger with age. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be partly due to changes in hormone levels as you age.
Prostate gland enlargement is also a common cause of erectile dysfunction. While an enlarged prostate is not usually dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for men. For men who suspect they have an enlarged prostate, it’s crucial to talk to their doctor so they can diagnose and treat the condition accordingly. Not all men with enlarged prostates will experience symptoms.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most men with prostate gland enlargement can live normal, healthy lives. Here are some top treatment options for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Alpha-Blockers
The most common indication for prostate gland enlargement is the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms to improve quality of life. Among the various drug therapies available, alpha-blockers are the most effective, least costly, and best-tolerated option for relieving lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
Alpha-blockers are a type of medication used to treat an enlarged prostate. They work by relaxing the muscles in your prostate and urinary tract. This helps to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. There are several alpha-blockers available, and they all work similarly. Therefore, a doctor will likely start a patient on a low dose and increase it if needed. Side effects of alpha-blockers can include dizziness, lightheadedness, and decreased blood pressure.
The Food and Drug Administration currently approves four long-acting alpha-1 blockers for treating symptomatic prostate enlargement: terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin. All four agents are well tolerated and have comparable dose-dependent effectiveness in reducing lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. With several well-tolerated options available, clinicians should select the best-individualized therapy for their patients based on these considerations.
