Recommended when symptoms are tolerable. Many men can reduce
their symptoms by decreasing fluid intake after a certain
time in the evening, or limiting caffeine or alcohol intake.
You may have an enlarged prostate without actually experiencing
symptoms, and this does not require treatment. Your doctor
can continue monitoring your progress, and if symptoms worsen,
can recommend treatment at that time.
Testosterone is a male hormone secreted by the testes, and when combined with the enzyme 5 Alpha-Reductase in the prostate, changes to Dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is believed to be the active male hormone in the development of BPH. The 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors therefore inhibit this change and shrink the prostate. A fixed dose of the medication is usually used.
This process takes time. and the effects of the medication may not occur for several months. The side effects associated with ProscarÆ are: decreased libido (3.3%) and impotence (3.7%). The positive effects of the treatment are an increase in peak urinary flow rate (22%), and a decrease in symptom score (21%).
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Combinations of herbs are available at natural food stores, or from herbalists. They often include Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, Flax Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and Zinc. Doses should be regulated by a professional herbalist, or according to directions on pre-packaged combination remedies. There is minimal information available on how effective this form of treatment is.
Variations in the tone of the smooth muscle of the prostate
and bladder neck contribute to the reduction in urinary flow
rates. Alpha-adrenergic Receptor Blockers act by relaxing
the constriction around the prostatic urethra, which leads
to improved urinary outflow. The dose of the medication (Hytrin,
Cardura) is usually slowly adjusted upward to get the best
effect with the least side effects. This usually takes 2 to
3 weeks.
Flomax is a new type of alpha adrenergic blocker termed “Uro
Selective” which is designed to preferentially affect
receptors in the prostate instead of the other places where
alpha receptors work such as the blood vessels. The dose of
this medication does not need to be adjusted. Thus the benefit
of this drug is seen sooner. There are theoretically fewer
side effects with this medication. Blood pressure is not affected
and fewer people are dizzy or tired. Retrograde ejaculation
is a unique side effect of this drug.
Statistics of side effects vary on the brand of Alpha-adrenergic
Recepor Blocker that you take, but the most common side effects
are fatigue, dizziness, headache, and decreased blood pressure.
There is an approximate 30% increase in peak urinary flow
rate, and a 32% decrease in symptom score.
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