An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in men, especially as they age. The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze or partially block the urethra, leading to urinary problems.
Common symptoms of BPH include:
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Trouble starting or stopping urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
BPH is not cancer, and it doesn’t increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, it can significantly affect a man’s quality of life.
Why Medication Is Important
Medication is often the first line of treatment for men with moderate symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The goal is to relieve urinary symptoms, improve urine flow, and avoid complications like urinary retention or the need for surgery.
Doctors usually prescribe medication after evaluating symptoms, prostate size, overall health, and how much the symptoms are affecting daily life.
The Best Prescribed Medication for Enlarged Prostate
1. Alpha-Blockers: The Fastest Relief Option
Alpha-blockers are usually the first choice for treating BPH. These medications relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. This makes it easier to urinate and reduces symptoms quickly—often within a few days.
Common alpha-blockers include:
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
- Doxazosin (Cardura)
- Terazosin (Hytrin)
- Silodosin (Rapaflo)
Why choose alpha-blockers?
- They work quickly
- They don’t shrink the prostate, but they relieve symptoms
- Good for men with smaller prostates or milder symptoms
Side effects: Dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and retrograde ejaculation (semen goes into the bladder instead of out of the penis during ejaculation).
2. 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: Best for Long-Term Prostate Shrinking
These medications actually shrink the prostate over time by blocking the hormone (DHT) that causes the prostate to grow.
Common drugs include:
- Finasteride (Proscar)
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
Why choose 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors?
- They are best for men with larger prostates
- They reduce the risk of urinary retention and surgery
- Symptoms improve after 3–6 months of treatment
Side effects: Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume.
3. Combination Therapy: When One Is Not Enough
For men with severe symptoms or very large prostates, doctors may prescribe a combination of both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
Example: Tamsulosin + Dutasteride
This combo offers fast symptom relief from the alpha-blocker and long-term prostate shrinkage from the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor.
Benefits:
- Greater symptom relief
- Lower risk of needing prostate surgery
- Fewer urinary complications
Downsides: Higher risk of side effects, including sexual problems and dizziness.
4. Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors: A Two-in-One Option
Tadalafil (Cialis), commonly used for erectile dysfunction, can also help men with BPH. It relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder.
Best for: Men who have both BPH and erectile dysfunction
Pros:
- Improves urinary symptoms and sexual function
- Daily low-dose works best
Cons: Headaches, back pain, and not suitable with certain heart medications.
How Doctors Choose the Best Medication
Doctors will consider several factors before deciding which medication is best:
- Prostate size
- Severity of symptoms
- Presence of other health conditions
- Patient’s age and medication tolerance
- Sexual health and personal preferences
A urine test, blood test, and digital rectal exam are often done before starting treatment.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Medication
While medication helps a lot, certain habits can also reduce symptoms:
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid before bedtime
- Go to the bathroom regularly
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet low in red meat and high in vegetables
When Medication Isn’t Enough
If medications don’t help or cause too many side effects, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be needed. These are typically for men with severe BPH or complications like bladder stones or infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can an enlarged prostate go away with medication?
No, medications can manage and reduce symptoms, but they don’t cure the condition completely. However, some drugs like 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can shrink the prostate over time.
2. How long do I need to take medication for BPH?
Many men take these medications for life. If symptoms improve a lot, some may reduce the dose or stop after consulting a doctor.
3. What is the safest medication for BPH?
Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin are considered safe and effective, especially for older men, as long as they don’t cause too much dizziness or low blood pressure.
Conclusion
The best prescribed medication for an enlarged prostate depends on your specific symptoms, prostate size, and overall health. For quick relief, alpha-blockers like tamsulosin are widely used. For long-term improvement, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride are ideal. In many cases, combining both types offers the greatest benefits. Always speak with your doctor to find the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
Related topics:
- What Problems Can An Enlarged Prostate Cause?
- Can You Shrink An Enlarged Prostate Gland?
- What Causes A Man To Have An Enlarged Prostate?
