Medication
Two types of prescribed drugs can be helpful for urinary symptoms
caused by an enlarged prostate. The first type, called alpha-blockers,
work by relaxing the muscles of the opening to the bladder and
the muscles of the prostate gland, overcoming the resistance to
passing urine. Drugs of this type are also used to treat high
blood pressure, and this explains some of the side-effects which
people may experience, including:
*
dizziness or faintness;
* headaches;
* lack of energy; and
* nasal congestion.
Often,
these side-effects occur with the first dose of an alpha-blocker,
and then disappear as the body adjusts to the medication. It is
important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms or concerns
you have with the medication.
The
second type of medication, which your urologist may prescribe
works by shrinking the enlarged prostate gland to relieve the
narrowing of the urethra. For example, Finasteride blocks the
effects of the male hormone testosterone on the prostate gland,
reducing the size of the prostate and relieving the narrowing
of the urethra caused by the enlarged prostate. This type of drug
works better on larger prostates and takes a longer period of
time to achieve an effect (3-6 months). Potential side-effects
include:
*
problems maintaining erections;
* decreased sexual desire;
* breast tenderness and enlargement; and
* skin rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, report them
to your doctor.
Some
herbal medications are widely used to treat symptoms of BPH. While
their value is not regarded as proven by medical authorities,
they have a beneficial effect in some men.
