Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition among older men. It occurs when the prostate gland grows larger and presses against the urethra, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder. While lifestyle changes can help manage BPH, medications are often required to shrink the prostate and improve symptoms. In this article, we will explore the 6 best drugs used to treat BPH, their benefits, and how they work to shrink the prostate.
What is BPH and How Does it Affect Men?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As men age, the prostate can grow larger, leading to the squeezing of the urethra. This can cause urinary problems, such as frequent or urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying.
BPH is very common in men over the age of 50. In fact, around half of men in their 60s and up to 90% of men in their 80s have some degree of prostate enlargement. While BPH is not cancerous, the symptoms can significantly impact a man’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are several medications available that can help reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate these symptoms.
How Do Medications Shrink the Prostate?
Medications for BPH work by either shrinking the prostate or relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow. These drugs help relieve symptoms, but they do not cure the condition. Depending on the severity of symptoms, doctors may recommend different types of medications, which can either shrink the prostate directly or relieve the pressure caused by the enlarged prostate.
The 6 Best Drugs to Shrink the Prostate
1. Alpha-Blockers
Alpha-blockers are a class of medications that work by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder neck. This helps improve urine flow and reduces symptoms associated with BPH. These drugs do not shrink the prostate but can provide immediate relief by making it easier to urinate.
Common alpha-blockers include: tamsulosin (Flomax), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and terazosin (Hytrin). These medications are typically prescribed when BPH symptoms are mild to moderate. They work quickly and are often the first line of treatment for men with BPH. However, they may cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
2. 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that promotes prostate growth. By reducing DHT levels, these medications can shrink the prostate over time and improve symptoms. Unlike alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors do not provide immediate relief, but they can be highly effective in reducing the size of the prostate over several months.
Common 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors include: finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart). These medications are most effective in men with larger prostates. However, they can take several months to show noticeable improvements and may have side effects such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness.
3. Combination Therapy
Combination therapy involves using both an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor together. This approach can provide faster symptom relief while also shrinking the prostate over time. Combination therapy is typically recommended for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms or those who have not responded to single-drug treatments.
One common combination treatment is: tamsulosin (alpha-blocker) combined with dutasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor). Research has shown that combination therapy can significantly reduce prostate size and improve urinary symptoms, although it may increase the risk of side effects compared to using either drug alone.
4. Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are a class of medications primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, they have also been found to help with symptoms of BPH. PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving urine flow. They may be prescribed for men who have both BPH and erectile dysfunction.
Common PDE5 inhibitors include: tadalafil (Cialis). Tadalafil is approved for the treatment of both erectile dysfunction and BPH symptoms. It works similarly to alpha-blockers by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder, but it may take a few weeks to provide noticeable improvement.
5. Anticholinergic Medications
Anticholinergic medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes bladder contractions. By reducing bladder muscle contractions, anticholinergic medications can help relieve symptoms of urinary urgency and frequency associated with BPH. These medications are typically used when BPH symptoms are primarily related to an overactive bladder.
Common anticholinergic medications include: oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol). While effective for bladder symptoms, anticholinergics may cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and confusion, especially in older adults.
6. Herbal and Natural Supplements
In addition to prescription medications, several herbal and natural supplements are commonly used to help shrink the prostate and relieve BPH symptoms. While more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, some men find relief from symptoms using natural remedies.
Popular herbal supplements include: saw palmetto, pygeum, and beta-sitosterol. These supplements are believed to work by reducing inflammation, blocking DHT, and improving urinary function. However, it is important to discuss these options with a healthcare provider, as natural supplements can interact with other medications or cause side effects.
Conclusion
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men that can cause a variety of urinary symptoms. The good news is that there are several medications available to help shrink the prostate and relieve these symptoms. The six drugs discussed in this article—alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, combination therapy, PDE5 inhibitors, anticholinergic medications, and herbal supplements—can help manage BPH effectively. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach based on individual needs and medical history. With proper treatment, men with BPH can experience significant relief and improved quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take for medications to shrink the prostate?
The time it takes for medications to shrink the prostate varies. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride, may take several months to show noticeable improvements. Alpha-blockers provide quicker relief by relaxing the prostate muscles but do not shrink the prostate. Combination therapy may offer faster symptom relief while also shrinking the prostate over time.
2. Are there any side effects associated with prostate medications?
Yes, some medications for BPH may have side effects. Common side effects of alpha-blockers include dizziness and fatigue. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may cause sexual side effects, such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction. PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil may cause headaches or digestive issues. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
3. Can natural supplements help with BPH symptoms?
Some men find relief from BPH symptoms using herbal supplements like saw palmetto or pygeum. While research is still ongoing, these natural remedies are believed to reduce inflammation and improve urinary function. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any supplements to avoid interactions with other medications.
Related topics:
- What Can Be Done To Shrink An Enlarged Prostate?
- Can You Shrink An Enlarged Prostate Gland?
- The 5 Best Natural Ways To Shrink an Enlarged Prostate
