Running to the bathroom?
Problems while peeing?
Answers can be found here, look no further!
When you get older your prostate becomes bigger. Unfortunately for men this is an undeniable truth. Your prostate is the size of a walnut, but if it becomes the size of an orange that would spell bad news for you. You don’t have to be a doctor to understand that.By the way I was exaggerating with the orange, but you understand the gist.
Below is a short video looking at the prostate and surrounding organs
If you are interested in a video looking at common prostate symptoms click right here.
- Maybe you are hesitant about starting medications, then click on this link and this will look at ways to shrink your prostate without medications.
There might be some of you who have tried different things and still you continue to have issues with your prostate. Let me emphasize once again it is very important that you continue with your lifestyle changes especially exercise and a healthy diet. That is just as paramount to help shrink your prostate.
Here are 5 classes of medications to help treat BPH:
- 1.Alpha-blockers:
Alpha blockers help treat your BPH when you have mild to moderate symptoms. Usually, it the first line treatment when you are visiting your healthcare provider.
Examples of alpha blockers are:
- Terazosin( hytrin)
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
- Silodosin (Rapaflo)
- Doxazosin( Cardura)
These medications are used as they help relax muscles in your prostate and your bladder making it easier for you to pee.
Please be aware if you are on Doxazosin or Terazosin you should not take a medication such as Cialis or Viagara which are medications used for erectile dysfunction. The reason is your blood pressure can be dangerously lowered casing symptoms such as light headedness, dizziness, and fainting.
Also if you are on these medications especially Doxazosin or Terazosin take these medications at nighttime as they can cause lower blood pressure and dizziness. Take your time when you are changing positions such as getting up from bed or walking up and down stairs.
- 2. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors:
These medications can help prevent your prostate from becoming bigger. They can also cause the prostate to become smaller. Unfortunately, it does take some time for the full effect of this medication and may take up to six months.
Examples of these medications are:
- Finasteride (Proscar)
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
They work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT(dihydrotestosterone). DHT is more potent than testosterone. As a result of this block this helps the prostate become smaller over time.
Common side effects include ejaculation problems, decreased libido and depression and anxiety.
- 3.Combination of alpha blockers and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors:
The medications discussed above can be combined. Your health care provider may suggest this when you symptoms are :
- Severe
- If you do not improve with increasing doses of an alpha blocker
- If you have a large prostate
- 4.Phosphodiesterase inhibitors:
There are many different phosphodiesterase inhibitors on the market.The FDA only recognizes (Tadalafil) Cialis to help treat BPH. Note you should not take Cialis with another class of medications called nitrates.Also if your kidney function is low ( Crcl<30) this medication is contraindicated.
- 5.Medications that relax your detrusor muscles:
The detrusor muscle is the smooth muscle found in your bladder. These medications can be prescribed if you have an overactive bladder. Examples of these medications are anticholinergic medications such as Detrol as well as beta adrenergic 3 agonists such as Mirabegron (Myrbetriq). So in other words these medications can be used to improve your symptoms. Of note these medications are mentioned so that you are educated about various options your healthcare provider might discuss with you. In my practice we are careful in the use of anticholinergic medication use because of side effects such as urinary retention, constipation,confusion, dry mouth and dry eyes.It is only ever used as a last resort.
Mybetriq can cause high blood pressure and urinary retention as serious side effects.Common side effects are GI side effects such as constipation as well as a fast heart rate(tachycardia).
If you are interested in checking out the YT video click right here.
Have a good day and Think your Health.
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