Which Enlarged Prostate Medication is Right for Me?

If you are a man above the age of 60, you have more than a 50% chance of having an enlarged prostate, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). If you have been experiencing symptoms such as decreased or intermittent urinary flow, blood in the urine, a feeling of incomplete voiding after urination, or other uncomfortable or embarrassing symptoms, you should consult with your doctor to determine if you have an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Depending on your general health and other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medication for enlarged prostate.

Hormonal Inhibitors

One class of enlarged prostate medication, alpha reductase inhibitors, work by reducing the body's ability to convert testosterone to dyhydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone thought to be related to the growth of prostate cells. The theory with this treatment is that if the prostate can be induced to stop growing or even to shrink in size, symptoms will be alleviated. Examples of this class of enlarged prostate medication include such drugs as finasteride (Proscar®) and dutasteride (Avodart®). As much as six months of treatment may be required to determine if these enlarged prostate medications are working properly. Side effects of these drugs can include reduced libido, impotence, breast tenderness or enlargement, and reduced sperm counts.

Alpha Blockers

Another type of medication for enlarged prostate includes drugs known as alpha blockers. Alpha blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of the bladder outlet and prostate, thus promoting easier flow of urine. Alfuzosin (UroXatral®), doxazosin (Cardura®), prazosin (Minipress®), tamsulosin hydrochloride (Flowmax®), and terazosin (Hytrin®) are some of the medications for enlarged prostate that contain alpha blockers. It's important to schedule followup visits with your doctor three or four weeks after beginning alpha blocker therapy to evaluate side effects, which can include dizziness, low blood pressure, fatigue, weakness, and breathing difficulty.

Is There a Natural Treatment for Enlarged Prostate?

Some patients may prefer herbal and non-medication remedies for enlarged prostate. The primary concern with herbal remedies is that such "dietary supplements" are not governed by the stringent regulations covering the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. It is very important, therefore, to assure yourself of the quality, purity, and consistency of any natural remedies that involve plant or animal extracts. However, some patients find that dietary adjustments can help. Eating natural, fresh, or organic foods low in preservatives and additives can aid prostate health, as well as avoiding processed sugars, hydrogenated oils, junk food, and alcohol (especially beer). Some patients have also found relief by certain types of hydrotherapy.