Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH).

Alternative Names
Enlarged prostate; BPH

Highlights
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes
enlarged. However, the actual size of the gland does not necessarily predict symptom
severity. Some men with minimally enlarged prostate glands may experience symptoms while
other men with much larger glands may have few symptoms. BPH is very common among
older men, affecting about 60% of men over age 60 and 80% of men over age 80.

BPH Symptoms

The symptoms associated with BPH are collectively called lower urinary tract symptoms
(LUTS). These are generally classified as either voiding (obstructive) symptoms or storage
(irritative) symptoms.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

An urgent need to urinate and difficulty postponing urination

A hesitation before urine flow starts despite the urgency to urinate
Straining when urinating
Weak or intermittent urinary stream
A sense that the bladder has not emptied completely
Dribbling at the end of urination or leakage afterward

Urinary retention (inability to void) is a serious symptom of severe BPH that requires
immediate medical attention.

Treatment

BPH is not a cancerous or precancerous condition. It rarely causes serious complications, and
men usually have a choice whether to treat it immediately or delay treatment. Treatment
options include medications and surgery. Five-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) and alpha-
blockers are the main types of drugs used for BPH treatment.
Drug Warning

In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had revised the
prescription labels of 5-ARI drugs to include new information on increased risk of
high-grade prostate cancer. Finasteride (Proscar, generic) and dutasteride (Avodart,
Jalyn) are the 5-ARIs used for treating BPH. The FDA recommends that doctors rule
out other urologic conditions, including prostate cancer, that may mimic BPH before
prescribing 5-ARIs for BPH treatment.
In 2012, the FDA revised the finasteride label to include the warning that sexual side
effects (lowered libido, ejaculation disorders, orgasm disorders, and erectile
dysfunction) may persist even after the drug is stopped.

Drug Approval

In 2011, the FDA approved the widely used erectile dysfunction drug, tadalafil (Cialis) for
treatment of BPH. Tadalafil may be used to treat BPH and erectile dysfunction in men who
have both conditions. Tadalafil should not be used in combination with alpha-blockers or
nitrate drugs.

Introduction
Hyperplasia is a general medical term referring to an abnormal increase in cells. Benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is noncancerous cell growth of the prostate gland. It is the most
common noncancerous form of cell growth in men and usually begins with microscopic
nodules in younger men. BPH is not a precancerous condition and does not lead to prostate
cancer.

The prostate gland is an organ that surrounds the urinary urethra in men. It secretes fluid that
mixes with sperm to make semen. The urethra carries urine from the bladder and sperm from
the testes to the penis.
As BPH progresses, it can lead to enlargement of the prostate gland. About half of men with
BPH go on to develop an actual overall increase in the size of the prostate. As BPH
progresses, it can squeeze the urinary tube (urethra), causing urinary symptoms. These
urinary difficulties are part of a group of symptoms called collectively lower urinary tract
symptoms (LUTS).

About a third of men with BPH have LUTS symptoms that interfere with their quality of life.
The size of the prostate gland does not necessarily relate to a patients symptoms. Not all men
with BPH have LUTS, and not all men with LUTS have BPH.

The Prostate Gland

Description of the Prostate Gland. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland located below the
bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra (the tube that carries urine
through the penis).

Functions of the Prostate Gland. The prostate gland provides the following functions:

The glandular cells produce a milky fluid. During ejaculation, the smooth muscles
contract and squeeze this fluid into the urethra. Here, it mixes with sperm and other
fluids to make semen.
The prostate gland also contains an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase that converts
testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, another male hormone with a major impact on the
prostate.

Changes During the Lifespan. The prostate gland undergoes many changes during the course
of a man's life. At birth, the prostate is about the size of a pea. It grows only slightly until
puberty, when it begins to enlarge rapidly. It reaches normal adult size and shape, about that
of a walnut, when a man is in his early 20s. The gland generally remains stable until about the
mid-40s, when, in most men, the prostate begins to grow again through a process of cell
multiplication (hyperplasia).

The Process of Urination

The process of urination is complicated:

It begins when waste fluids flow out of the kidneys into two long tubes called ureters.
The ureters empty into the bladder, which rests on top of the pelvic floor, a muscular
structure similar to a sling running between the pubic bone and the base of the spine.
 The brain regulates muscles in the urinary tract through a pathway of nerves. As the
bladder fills to its capacity of 8 - 16 oz of fluid, the nerves send signals from the
bladder to the brain that indicate how full the bladder is.
As the bladder fills, the outlet muscles contract to prevent urination.
At the time of urination, the spinal cord initiates the voiding reflex. The detrusor
muscle (which surrounds the bladder) contracts, while the internal sphincter (a strong
muscle encircling the neck of the bladder) relaxes.
When the internal sphincter is open, urine flows out of the bladder into the urethra
(the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis).

Causes
Doctors are not exactly sure what causes benign prostatic hyperplasia. The changes that occur
with male sex hormone as part of the aging process appear to play a role in the enlargement
of the prostate gland.

Male Hormones. Androgens (male hormones) affect prostate growth. The most important
androgen is testosterone, which is produced in the testes throughout a man's lifetime. The
prostate converts testosterone to another powerful androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT stimulates cell growth in the tissue that lines the prostate gland (the glandular
epithelium) and is the major cause of the rapid prostate enlargement that occurs between
puberty and young adulthood. DHT is a prime suspect in prostate enlargement in later
adulthood.

Female Hormones. The female hormone estrogen may also play a role in BPH. (Some
estrogen is always present in men.) As men age, testosterone levels drop, and the proportion
of estrogen increases, possibly triggering prostate growth.

Risk Factors
Age

Age is the major risk factor for BPH. Over half of men develop BPH by age 60 and about
85% of men have BPH by age 85. It is uncommon for BPH to cause symptoms before age 40.

Family History

A family history of BPH appears to increase a man's chance of developing the condition.

Heart Disease Risk Factors and BPH

Some evidence indicates that the same risk factors associated with heart disease may increase
the risk of developing BPH. These risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, low
levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Lifestyle
factors that are unhealthy for the heart (such as lack of physical activity, cigarette smoking,
and poor diet) may also possibly increase BPH risk or worsen its symptoms.

Symptoms
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are categorized either as voiding (formerly called
obstructive) or storage (formerly called irritative) symptoms. BPH is often, but not always,
the cause of LUTS, especially the voiding symptoms. Other medical conditions, such as
bladder problems, can also cause these symptoms.

Some men with BPH may have few or no symptoms. The size of the prostate does not
determine symptom severity. An enlarged prostate may be accompanied by few symptoms,
while severe LUTS may be present with normal or even small prostates.

Voiding (Obstructive) Symptoms

Voiding symptoms can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract, which may be due to
BPH. (Obstruction is the most serious complication of BPH and requires medical attention.)
Voiding symptoms include:

A hesitation before urine flow starts despite the urgency to urinate

Straining when urinating
Weak or intermittent urinary stream
A sense that the bladder has not emptied completely
Dribbling at the end of urination or leakage afterward

Storage (Irritative) Symptoms

Storage symptoms, also referred to as filling symptoms, include:

An increased frequency of urination (every few hours)

An urgent need to urinate and difficulty postponing urination
Painful or burning sensation when urinating
Urine flows from the kidney through the ureters into the urinary bladder where it is
temporarily stored. As the bladder becomes distended with urine, nerve impulses from the
bladder signal the brain that it is full, giving the individual the urge to void. By voluntarily
relaxing the sphincter muscle around the urethra, the bladder can be emptied of urine. Urine
then flows out through the urethra.

Serious Complications

Urinary retention (inability to void) is a serious complication of severe BPH that requires
immediate medical attention. Urinary retention can be a sign of obstruction in the bladder.
Bladder obstruction can cause kidney damage, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood
in the urine, and incontinence as urine dribbles out in small amounts.

Diagnosis
A doctor makes a diagnosis of BPH based on description of symptoms, medical history,
physical examination, and various blood and urine tests. If necessary, your doctor may refer
you to a urologist for more complex test procedures.

Some diagnostic tests are used to rule out cancers of the prostate or bladder as the cause of
symptoms. In some cases, symptoms of prostate cancer can be similar to those of BPH. Tests
may also be performed to see if BPH has caused any kidney damage.

Medical History

The doctor will ask about your personal and family medical history, including past and
present medical conditions. The doctor will also ask about any medications you are taking
that could cause urinary problems

Physical Examination
Digital Rectal Exam. The digital rectal exam is used to detect an enlarged prostate. The
doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the patient's rectum and feels the prostate to
estimate its size and to detect nodules or tenderness. The exam is quick and painless. The test
helps rule out prostate cancer or problems with the muscles in the rectum that might be
causing symptoms, but it can underestimate the prostate's size. It is never the sole diagnostic
tool for either BPH or prostate cancer.

Other Physical Examinations. The doctor will press and manipulate (palpate) the abdomen
and sides to detect signs of kidney or bladder abnormalities. The doctor may test reflexes,
sensations, and motor response in the lower body to rule out possible nerve-related
(neurologic) causes of bladder dysfunction.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the patient's blood. It is a
widely used but controversial screening test for prostate cancer. High PSA levels may
indicate prostate cancer, but BPH itself usually raises PSA levels. And, some drugs used to
treat BPH can decrease PSA levels.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis can detect signs of bleeding or infection. A urinalysis involves a physical and
chemical examination of a urine sample. A urinalysis also helps rule out bladder cancer.

Uroflowmetry

To determine whether the bladder is obstructed, an electronic test called uroflowmetry

measures the speed of urine flow. To perform this test, the patient urinates into a special toilet
equipped with a measuring device. A reduced flow may indicate BPH. However, bladder
obstruction can also be caused by other conditions including weak bladder muscles and
problems in the urethra.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy, also called urethrocystoscopy, is a test performed by a urologist to check for

problems in the lower urinary tract, including the urethra and bladder. The doctor can
determine the presence of structural problems including enlargement of the prostate,
obstruction of the urethra or neck of the bladder, anatomical abnormalities, or bladder stones.
The test may also identify bladder cancer, and causes of blood in the urine and infection.

In this procedure, a thin tube with a light at the end (cytoscope) is inserted into the bladder
through the urethra. The doctor may insert tiny instruments through the cytoscope to take
small tissue samples (biopsies). Cytoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
The patient may be given local, spinal, or general anesthesia.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a painless procedure that can give an accurate picture of the size and shape of
the prostate gland. Ultrasound may also be used for detecting kidney damage, tumors, and
bladder stones. Ultrasound tests of the prostate generally use one of two methods:

Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) uses a rectal probe for assessing the prostate.
TRUS is significantly more accurate for determining prostate volume.
Transabdominal ultrasonography uses a device placed over the abdomen. It can give
an accurate measure of postvoid residual urine and can be used to check for kidney
damage caused by severe BPH.

Postvoid Residual Urine

The postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) test measures the amount of urine left after
urination. Normally, about 50 mL or less of urine is left; more than 200 mL is a sign of
abnormalities. Measurements in between require further tests. The most common method for
measuring PVR is with a catheter, a soft tube that is inserted into the urethra within a few
minutes of urination.

Ruling Out Other Causes of Symptoms

In addition to prostate cancer, other conditions and factors can cause lower urinary tract
symptoms similar to those associated with BPH:

Structural Abnormalities. Abnormalities in the urinary tract can cause BPH-like

symptoms. These abnormalities include narrowing of the urethra, weakened bladder,
and prostate muscle contractions. Such conditions can produce obstruction, impair or
weaken the detrusor muscle surrounding the bladder, or cause other damage that
impacts the urinary tract.
Prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can be caused by
bacterial or nonbacterial factors. (The most common form of prostatitis is
nonbacterial, a condition also called prostatosis.) Symptoms include urgent need to
urinate, frequent urination, and the need to urinate at night. Pain may occur in the
lower back or rectum, or it may develop after ejaculation.
Medications. Many medications can cause lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary
retention, and can worsen symptoms of BPH. These types of medications include
antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, opiates, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Treatment
Because BPH rarely causes serious complications, men usually have a choice between
treating it or opting for watchful waiting:

Watchful Waiting. Watchful waiting (also known as active surveillance) involves

lifestyle changes and an annual examination. (Even when choosing watchful waiting,
it is important to have a doctor perform an initial examination to rule out other
disorders.) BPH is often a progressive condition and if it worsens enough it can cause
urinary tract infections, bladder damage, and kidney damage. Your doctor needs to
monitor your condition to determine when it may be time to start treatment.
 Treatment. The primary goals of treatment for BPH are to improve urinary flow and
to reduce symptoms. Many options are available. They include drug therapies to help
shrink or relax the prostate, minimally invasive procedures that use lasers to reduce
excess prostate tissue, and surgery to remove part of the prostate.

Deciding Between Treatment and Watchful Waiting

The choice between watchful waiting and treatment usually depends on symptom severity.
The American Urological Associations BPH Symptom Score uses seven questions to
evaluate a patients urinary symptoms during the past month. (The International Prostate
Symptoms Score is another index that is also used.) The questions are:

How often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after
you finished urinating?
How often have you had to urinate again less than 2 hours after you finished
urinating?
How often have you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
How often have you found it difficult to urinate?
How often have you had a weak urinary stream?
How often had you had to push or strain to begin urination?
How many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to
bed at night until the time you got up in the morning?

Responses for the first six questions are scaled from not at all to almost always. (The last
question uses answers ranging from none to 5 or more times.) Each response is assigned
a number on a scale of 0 - 5 and totaled into a symptom score. The symptom score can fall
anywhere between 0 and 35.

Patients with mild symptoms will have low scores and may decide to delay treatment. Higher
scores indicate more severe symptoms. Treatment can reduce the score:

A score reduction of 5 points indicates modest symptom relief

A score reduction of 5 - 10 points indicates moderate symptom relief
A score reduction of more than 10 points indicates large symptom relief

Your doctor can discuss with you the various treatment options and the likelihood of
symptom relief they may provide. All treatments have various side effects, which need to be
taken into consideration. Quality of life is as important as symptom severity.

Treatment Options

Medications. In general, there is no reason to treat BPH with medications unless symptoms
become very bothersome. The size of the prostate, determined by exam or ultrasound, cannot
indicate the need for medications. Evidence suggests that:
 Medications are the best choice for men with mild-to-moderate symptoms who want
treatment. Choices include alpha-blockers, anti-androgens, or a combination of the
two. Specific factors indicate the best choice, although most men take an alpha-
blocker.
Men with moderate-to-severe symptoms often respond to the same medications as
men with mild symptoms. Recent developments in drug therapy have reduced or
delayed the need for surgery.

Surgery. A quarter of men with moderate symptoms, and even more men with severe
symptoms, eventually need surgery. If a man chooses surgery, there are many choices.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard procedure, but less invasive
procedures, particularly those using heat or lasers to destroy prostate tissue, are becoming
more common.

TURP - series

The most common reason for choosing surgery is obstruction of the bladder outlet, which
causes urinary retention. Surgery may also be a reasonable option when BPH is clearly
related to one or more of the following conditions:

Recurrent urinary tract infection

Blood in the urine (hematuria). The drug finasteride may help some men with this
condition and should probably be tried before surgery.
Bladder stones
Kidney problems
Moderate-to-severe symptoms that are not well controlled with medications

Increased urinary flow and reduced urine retention are the greatest improvements resulting
from surgery. Often, however, the benefits of surgery are not permanent.

Lifestyle Changes
General Lifestyle Recommendations

Certain lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms and are particularly important for men
who choose to avoid surgery or drug therapy. They include:

Limit daily fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL (about 2 quarts).

Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Limit beverages in the evening. Avoid drinking fluids after your evening meal.
Try to urinate at least once every 3 hours.
 Double-voiding may be helpful -- after urinating, wait and try to urinate again.
Stay active. Cold weather and immobility may increase the risk for urine retention.
Keeping warm and exercising may help.
Try to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and lack of physical activity
increase the risk for lower urinary tract symptoms.

Avoiding Medications that Aggravate Symptoms

Decongestants and Antihistamines. Men with BPH should avoid, if possible, the many
medications for colds and allergies that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine
(Sudafed, generic). Such drugs, known as adrenergics, can worsen urinary symptoms by
preventing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck from relaxing to allow urine to flow
freely. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, generic), can also slow urine
flow in some men with BPH.

Diuretics. Men who are taking diuretics (drugs that increase urination) may want to talk to
their doctor about reducing the dosage or switching to another type of drug. Diuretics are
important drugs for many people with high blood pressure, with a proven track record for
saving lives. No one should go off these medications without medical supervision.

Other Drugs. Other drugs that may worsen symptoms are certain antidepressants and drugs
used to treat spasticity.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, first developed to help women with childbirth, may also help
men prevent urine leakage, particularly after surgical procedures. These exercises strengthen
the pelvic floor muscles that both support the bladder and close the sphincter.

Performing the Exercises. Since the muscle is internal and sometimes hard to isolate, doctors
often recommend practicing while urinating:

Contract the muscle until the flow of urine is slowed or stopped. He attempts to hold
each contraction for 20 seconds.
Release the contraction.
In general, patients should perform 5 - 15 contractions, three to five times daily.

Dietary Factors

A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruit may help reduce BPH risk. Some evidence
indicates that fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C may help protect
against BPH. Dietary choices should also focus on increasing intake of healthy fats, such as
omega-3 fatty acids, and limiting intake of unhealthy saturated fats and trans-fatty acids.

Herbs and Supplements

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need approval
from the FDA to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the
body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be
harmful. There have been several reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from
herbal products. Patients should check with their doctor before using any herbal remedies or
dietary supplements.

Popular herbal and dietary supplement treatments for BPH include:

Saw palmetto is one of the most popular herbal remedies for BPH. It comes from the
berry of the plant Serenoa repens. Most clinical trials have shown a modest benefit at
best. A large, high-quality study found that saw palmetto did not help men with
moderate-to-severe BPH when the herb was taken for 1 year. Another high-quality
study found that saw palmetto had no benefit even when the dose was tripled.
Other popular herbs include extracts from African plum tree (Pygeum africanum), rye
grass pollen (Secale cerale), stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica), South African star
grass (Hypoxis rooperi), and pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita peponis). Beta-sitosterol is
a plant sterol found in some of these herbs that is marketed as a dietary supplement
for prostate health. There is no scientific evidence that any of these remedies help
treat BPH.
Patients should be aware that high doses of zinc supplements may increase the risk
and progression of BPH.

Medications
The two main drug classes used for BPH are:

Alpha-blockers. These drugs relax smooth muscles, especially in the bladder neck and
prostate. They include terazosin (Hytrin, generic), doxazosin (Cardura, generic),
tamsulosin (Flomax, generic), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and silodosin (Rapaflo). Alpha-
blockers help relieve BPH symptoms, but they do not reduce the size of the prostate.
The can help improve urine flow and reduce risk of bladder obstruction. They are
often the first medication choice, especially for men with smaller prostates.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride (Proscar, generic) and dutasteride (Avodart,
Jalyn) block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the male hormone
that stimulates the prostate. These drugs are helpful for men with significantly
enlarged prostates. In addition to relieving symptoms, they increase urinary flow and
may even help shrink the prostate. However, patients may have to take these drugs for
up to 6 - 12 months to achieve full benefits.

Because these two types of drugs work in different ways, combinations of the two may
control symptoms in select patients more effectively than either drug alone. The combination
treatment may work best for patients with larger prostate glands and higher PSA readings.
Many men, however, can control their condition with a single drug.

Alpha-Blockers

Alpha-adrenergic antagonists, commonly called alpha-blockers, relax smooth muscles in the

prostate and make it easier for urine to flow. They quickly improve symptoms, usually within
days. Because these drugs are short-acting, symptoms return once a man stops taking the
medication. Alpha-blockers do not shrink the size of the prostate or change PSA levels.
Alpha-blockers are generally referred to as either nonselective or selective:

Terzosin (Hytrin, generic) and doxazosin (Cardura, generic) are the nonselective
alpha-blockers used for BPH treatment. Nonselective alpha-blockers relax all smooth
muscles in the body that surround blood vessels. Because of this, they can lower
blood pressure, sometimes causing side effects such as light-headedness or even
fainting.
Tamsulosin (Flomax, Jalyn, generic), alfusozin (Uroxatral), and silodosin (Rapaflo)
are the selective alpha-blockers used for BPH. Selective alpha-blockers target more
specifically the smooth muscles of the prostate, but they can also affect other areas of
the body, such as the eyes. They have fewer side effects than non-selective alpha
blockers and are now prescribed much more often than the older drugs.

Side Effects. Alpha-blockers can cause headache, and stuffy or runny nose. Alpha-blockers
can reduce blood pressure, which may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, can occur and
increases the risk of falling. Taking the medication close to bedtime can help reduce these
side effects.

Because of the reduced blood pressure side effect, do not take non-selective alpha blockers
with the phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors used for erectile dysfunction [sildenafil
(Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis),vardenafil (Levitra), or avanafil (Stendra)]. Men who take selective
alpha blockers may be able to use erectile dysfunction pills with guidance from a doctor.
(Men may experience a decreased ejaculate while taking these drugs. However, erectile
dysfunction is not a usual side effect of alpha-blockers, as it is with finasteride and
dutasteride.)

A special concern for tamsulosin, and other selective alpha-blockers, is that they are
associated with a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). IFIS is a loss of
muscle tone in the iris that can cause complications during cataract surgery. Patients who are
planning cataract or other eye surgery should be sure to inform their doctors prior to the
surgery. IFIS appears more likely to occur with selective alpha-blockers than non-selective
alpha blockers.

5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARIs)

The prostate gland contains an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase that converts testosterone to
another androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Drugs known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-
ARIs), block this enzyme and thus reduce dihydrotestosterone in the prostate thereby
preventing prostate growth.

The 5-ARIs used for treating BPH are:

Finasteride (Proscar, generic)

Dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn). Jalyn is a 2-in-1 pill that combines dutasteride with the
alpha-blocker tamsulosin.

Because 5-ARIs help shrink enlarged prostates, they are most effective in reducing symptoms
in men with very large prostates. These drugs take several months before they have an effect
so men may not notice any signs of improvement for 3 - 6 months.
Side Effects. Finasteride and dutasteride can cause erectile dysfunction, lowered sexual drive
(libido), and ejaculation and orgasm disorders. These drugs can reduce the volume and
quality of semen released during ejaculation. These sexual side effects may sometimes persist
even after the drug is discontinued. (A positive side effect of finasteride is possible reduction
of hair loss related to male hormones and, in some cases, hair growth in men with mild-to-
moderate male pattern baldness.)

These drugs decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which may mask the presence of
prostate cancer. To resolve this problem, doctors calculate PSA levels in men taking these
drugs by doubling the PSA values. This doubling equation helps provide an accurate
measurement. The FDA advises doctors that an increase in PSA (even if its in a normal
range) while taking this drug may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

A matter of controversial debate is whether 5-ARIs help protect against prostate cancer. Some
studies have suggested that 5-ARIs may lower a mans risk for developing prostate cancer.
However, based on other studies, the FDA advises that these drugs may actually increase the
risk for being diagnosed with high-grade aggressive types of prostate cancer. At this time, 5-
ARIs are not approved for prostate cancer prevention. Men who take these drugs for BPH
should discuss this issue with their doctors. The FDA recommends that doctors rule out other
urologic conditions, including prostate cancer, that may mimic BPH before prescribing 5-
ARIs for BPH treatment.

Other Drugs

Anticholinergic drugs, also called antimuscarinics, such as tolterodine (Detrol) may be

helpful for some patients. For treatment of BPH, they may be prescribed either alone or in
combination with an alpha-blocker drug.

Tadalafil (Cialis) is approved for treating BPH either alone or when it occurs along with
erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil should not be used in combination with alpha-blockers without
careful consideration and monitoring for excessive blood pressure lowering. Like all PDE5
inhibitor drugs used for erectile dysfunction, men who take nitrate drugs should not take
tadalafil.

Surgery
Several surgical approaches are used to treat BPH. Reasons for performing prostate surgery
include:

Persistent or recurrent episodes of urinary retention (inability to urinate)

Persistent blood in the urine
Bladder stones
Moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms that do not improve with medication

Surgical options include invasive and minimally invasive procedures. The choice of which
surgical procedure to use depends on various factors, including a mans age and general
health.
The most effective surgical procedure, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), is also
the most invasive and has the highest risk for serious complications. However, because it is
more effective than less invasive procedures, TURP remains the procedure of choice for
many doctors.

Minimally invasive procedures use laser or some other form of heat to destroy excess prostate
tissue. Although minimally invasive procedures may be an appropriate choice for some
patients, including younger men, none to date have proven superior to TURP.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) involves surgical removal of the inner portion
of the prostate, where BPH develops. It is the most common surgical procedure for BPH,
although the number of procedures has dropped significantly over the past decades because
of the increased use of effective medications.

TURP - series

Procedure. The surgeon inserts a fiber-optic endoscope, which is a thin tube, into the urethra.
No incision or stitches are needed. The surgeon uses the endoscope to cut away excess
prostatic tissue, and water solutions are used to flush away the excised matter. TURP usually
requires a 1 - 2 day hospital stay.

A Foley catheter generally remains in place for 1 - 3 days after surgery to allow urination.
This device is a tube inserted through the opening of the penis to drain the urine into a bag.
The catheter can cause temporary bladder spasms that can be painful. The catheter may be
removed while the patient is in the hospital or after he is sent home.

Recuperation. Urine flow is stronger almost immediately after most TURP procedures. After
the catheter is removed, patients often feel some pain or sense of urgency as the urine passes
over the surgical wound. These sensations generally last for about a week and then gradually
subside. Complete healing takes about 2 months. The following are some tips for speeding
recovery and avoiding complications:

During recuperation avoid driving, operating heavy equipment, lifting, sudden

movements, and straining the muscles in the lower tracts, such as during a bowel
movement.
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day after surgery is important to flush the bladder and
help healing.
Foods that help prevent constipation, such as fruits and vegetables, are important. A
laxative may be needed if constipation occurs.
Pelvic floor exercises can help reduce incontinence. Performing three to four sets of
30 contractions daily is recommended.
 Dont resume sexual activity until your doctor says its safe to do so.
Check with your doctor about any drugs or herbal supplements that you take to make
sure that they will not thin blood and increase bleeding.

Complications. The TURP procedure is generally safe but there are some risks for short- and
long-term complications.

Immediate short-term complications after surgery may include:

Bleeding. Some blood in the urine is normal after TURP surgery but persistent heavy
bleeding or clotting is a sign of a more serious complication. In rare cases, if the
bleeding is very heavy, patients require blood transfusions.
Infection. Urinary tract infections are more likely to occur the longer the catheter is in
place
Urination problems. Temporary urinary leaking or dribbling (incontinence) is
common after surgery and usually resolves within a month. Temporary urinary
retention (inability to urinate) may occur for a few days following surgery (which is
why a catheter is used to help remove urine.
TURP syndrome. If the fluids used during TURP build up, water intoxication can
develop, which can be serious. TURP syndrome occurs in a very small percentage of
patients and can be treated with diuretics to remove excess fluid.

Long-term complications after surgery may include:

Retrograde Ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation, also called dry orgasm is very

common. With this condition, the semen is ejaculated into the bladder rather than out
through the urethra. Retrograde ejaculation does not affect sexual pleasure but it does
impair fertility.
Erectile Dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, the inability to maintain an erection, is not
common but can occur.
Urinary Incontinence. Temporary urinary incontinence is common after TURP but in
rare cases some men become completely unable to hold back their urine.
Repeat Surgery. Up to 10% of patients who undergo TURP need a repeat operation
within 5 years. Sometimes, scarring in the bladder severe enough to cause obstruction
occurs within a year of the procedure and may require transurethral incision (TUIP).
More often, the urethra is scarred and narrows, but usually this condition can be
corrected by a simple stretching procedure performed in the doctor's office.

Other Invasive Surgical Procedures

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP). In TUIP, the surgeon makes only one or two
incisions in the prostate, causing the bladder neck and the prostate to spring open and reduce
pressure on the urethra. TUIP is generally reserved for men with minimally enlarged prostates
(30 grams or less) who have obstruction of the neck of the bladder.
TUIP is less invasive than TURP, has a lower rate of the same complications, particularly
retrograde ejaculation, and usually does not require a hospital stay. More studies are still
needed, however, to determine whether they are comparative in long-term effectiveness.

Open Prostatectomy. In open prostatectomy, the enlarged prostate is removed through an

open incision in the abdomen using standard surgical techniques. This is major surgery and
requires a hospital stay of several days. Open prostatectomy is used only for severe cases of
BPH, when the prostate is severely enlarged, the bladder is damaged, or other serious
problems exist. Some patients need a second operation because of scarring. Side effects of
open prostatectomy can include erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Prostatectomy - series

Laser Surgery

Procedures. Laser technology is used for removal of prostate tissue. Laser procedures can
usually be done on an outpatient basis, and there is little risk for bleeding. The procedure
involves passing a small tube with a tiny camera and the laser fiber through the urethra of the
penis. The procedure is performed under spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia.

Laser procedures have a faster recovery time and less risk of incontinence than invasive
surgical procedures, but their long-term effectiveness is unclear. Laser surgery may not be
appropriate for men with larger prostates. Different procedures are used to provide different
degrees of thermal cell destruction that range from coagulation to complete vaporization:

Transurethral holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP) uses laser energy to
target and vaporize obstructing prostate tissue. The removal of the tissue helps to
restore urine flow.
Transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is similar to HoLAP
except a portion of the prostate is cut into smaller pieces and then flushed out from the
bladder.
Holmium laser resection of the prostate (HoLRP) is similar to HoLEP except the
prostate fragments are removed through a resectoscope instrument.
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) uses a potassium-titanyl-phosphate
(KTP) laser ("green-light" laser) to vaporize prostate tissue. The procedure is virtually
bloodless and may be a better option for men taking anticoagulant ("blood thinner")
medication. Improvement lasts for up to 1 year after the procedure. More studies are
needed to confirm long-term efficacy.

Other Less Invasive Procedures

These minimally invasive procedures carry fewer risks for incontinence or problems with
sexual function than invasive procedures, but it is unclear how effective they are in the long
term.

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT). Transurethral microwave thermotherapy

delivers heat using microwave pulses to destroy prostate tissue. A microwave antenna is
inserted through the urethra with ultrasound used to position it accurately. The antenna is
enclosed in a cooling tube to protect the lining of the urethra. Computer-generated
microwaves pulse through the antenna to heat and destroy prostate tissue. When the
temperature becomes too high, the computer shuts down the heat and resumes treatment
when a safe level has been reached. The procedure takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the
patient can go home immediately afterward.

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA). Transurethral needle ablation is a relatively simple

and safe procedure, using needles to deliver high-frequency radio waves to heat and destroy
prostate tissue.

Transurethral Electrovaporization (TUVP). Transurethral electrovaporization uses high

voltage electrical current delivered through a resectoscope to combine vaporization of
prostate tissue and coagulation that seals the blood and lymph vessels around the area.
Deprived of blood, the excess tissue dies and is sloughed off over time.

Prostatic Stents

Prostatic stents used for BPH are flexible mesh tubes that are inserted into the urethra.
Typically, the insertion procedure takes only 15 minutes. Patients need only regional
anesthetic and mild sedation. There is minimal recuperation and no overnight hospital stay.
Unfortunately, stents often need to be removed later because of poor placement or
complications, including irritation when urinating, urinary tract infections, and treatment
failure. At this point, stents seem best suited for high-risk surgical patients or those with a
limited life expectancy.

Resources
www2.niddk.nih.gov -- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases
www.auanet.org -- American Urological Association

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