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Enlarged Prostate: Should I Take Medicine?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Enlarged Prostate: Should I Take Medicine?
Get the facts
Your options
- Take prescription medicine to help your symptoms.
- Don't take medicine. Instead, try watchful waiting and manage your symptoms at home.
Watchful waiting and medicines are usually the first things considered for an enlarged prostate. Sometimes surgery is needed for more serious symptoms.
Key points to remember
- As a rule, you don't need medicine for an enlarged prostate unless the symptoms bother you or you have other problems such as backed-up urine, bladder infections, or bladder stones.
- About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment. That means that 6 out of 10 men need medicine or surgery to help their symptoms.1
- The side effects of medicine may bother you more than your symptoms.
- Taking medicine may help keep you from needing surgery in the future.2
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is better known as an enlarged prostate. It happens to almost all men as they age. It is not cancer.
An enlarged prostate is usually harmless, but it often causes problems with urination. About half of all men older than 75 have some symptoms.
The most important thing in deciding whether to get treatment is how much the symptoms bother you and how much they affect your quality of life.
What medicines are used to treat an enlarged prostate?
Medicines are sometimes used to help relieve bothersome, moderate to severe urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate. If you stop using medicine, the symptoms will probably return.
Medicine choices include:
- Alpha-blockers, such as terazosin (Hytrin), which relax muscle tissue.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), which shrink the prostate.
- A combination of the two, which may help your symptoms more than either medicine alone.3
|
5-alpha reductase inhibitor |
Alpha-blocker |
|---|---|
|
|
What can you do if you don't want to take medicine?
If you don't want to take medicine, you can try watchful waiting while managing your symptoms at home.
Watchful waiting means you have regular checkups to be sure that your symptoms aren't getting worse. And you try making these small changes to your lifestyle to control your symptoms:
- Don't try to rush your urination. Try to relax while using the bathroom.
- Don't limit your fluid intake to avoid having to urinate. Drink fluids throughout the day. Limit fluids in the evening if you often wake up at night to urinate.
- If you can, avoid medicines that make your symptoms worse, such as nonprescription antihistamines, decongestants (including nasal sprays), and allergy pills. Talk to your doctor first.
- Try herbal supplements, such as saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol. Talk with your doctor first.
About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment. This means that 6 out of 10 men need medicine or surgery to help their symptoms.1
Why might your doctor recommend medicine for BPH?
Your doctor may recommend taking medicine for BPH if:
- You have tried to manage your symptoms through watchful waiting, but they still bother you.
- You have a large prostate, and your doctor feels that you may be at risk for urinary retention. (Urinary retention means you can't urinate because your prostate blocks your urethra.)
- You have a history of serious urinary retention.
- You have kidney problems associated with urinary retention.
Compare your options
Compare
|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
- You take medicine every day for life.
- You have regular checkups.
- You may need to use special bathroom techniques, such as learning to relax and double voiding.
- Taking medicine works for most men.5
- You may lower your risk of urinary retention and future surgery.
- Side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include decreased sex drive and trouble getting an erection.
- Side effects of alpha-blockers include tiredness, dizziness, headaches, and a stuffy nose.
- It is possible that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are linked to an increased risk for high-grade prostate cancers. But more research is needed.
- Some medicines are available in generic forms that may cost less, but medicines can be very expensive.
- You have regular checkups.
- You use special bathroom techniques.
- You make sure you don't cut back on fluids.
- About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment.1
- You avoid the side effects of the medicines.
- You may keep having symptoms that bother you. About 6 out of 10 men need medicine or surgery to help their symptoms.1
- If your prostate is large, you may be at risk for backed-up urine.
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
Personal stories about using medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I've been having a lot of trouble getting a good night's sleep now that I have this enlarged prostate. I'm up 4 or 5 times a night to go to the bathroom, and then both my wife and I are tired all day. My doctor said these medicines often help with that problem, so I'm going to try them. Even if I still had to get up a couple of times a night, I would get more rest and have more energy during the day.
Jake, age 61
When I started having problems urinating, my first thought was that it had to be cancer. My brother-in-law had similar symptoms, but he ignored them for a long time and eventually died of prostate cancer. I decided not to ignore them, so I went right to my doctor. He did a rectal exam and a PSA test and said that he was confident that my prostate was just enlarged and that it did not appear that I had cancer. He said if I wanted something to treat the symptoms, he could prescribe medicine. But I was just happy that the problem wasn't due to cancer, so I decided to manage the symptoms on my own for now.
Jim, age 65
I've been taking medicine to lower my blood pressure for several years now. Then a few months ago I started having to urinate often and feeling like I never really emptied my bladder. My doctor checked it out and said my prostate is enlarged and that it is most likely causing my problems. He said that if the symptoms bother me enough, there is a medicine I can take that will also lower my blood pressure. So it wouldn't mean taking several different medicines. I'm going to give it a try.
Michael, age 54
Several months ago, I started taking medicine to treat my prostate symptoms. The doctor said that most men don't have serious side effects, but I guess I'm one of the few who do. Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and tired was affecting me more than my prostate symptoms were, so I decided to stop taking the medicine. I found that my symptoms actually got a little better by themselves. For now, I'm managing okay with home treatment. My doctor and I will keep talking about other options if my symptoms get worse and I decide I want to try something different.
Carl, age 58
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take medicine
Reasons not to take medicine
I have symptoms that really bother me.
My symptoms don't really bother me.
I would rather live with side effects from medicine than have my symptoms.
I worry about the side effects of medicine.
I don't mind taking medicine every day.
I don't want to take medicine every day.
I'm not worried about how much the medicine will cost.
I really worry about how much the medicine will cost.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking medicine
NOT taking medicine
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
I may not need to take medicine if my symptoms don't bother me very much.
- TrueYou're right. As a rule, you don't need medicine unless your symptoms bother you or you have other problems such as backed-up urine, bladder infections, or bladder stones.
- FalseSorry, that's wrong. As a rule, you don't need medicine unless your symptoms bother you or you have other problems such as backed-up urine, bladder infections, or bladder stones.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Key points to remember." As a rule, you don't need medicine unless your symptoms bother you or you have other problems such as backed-up urine, bladder infections, or bladder stones.
I may get better without treatment.
- TrueYou're right. About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment.
- FalseSorry, that's the wrong answer. About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Compare your options." About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment.
Medicines can cause side effects that may be worse than my symptoms.
- TrueCorrect. The side effects of medicine may bother you more than your symptoms.
- FalseSorry, that's wrong. The side effects of medicine may bother you more than your symptoms.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." The side effects of medicine may bother you more than your symptoms.
Decide what's next
Do you understand the options available to you?
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Your Summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and References
| Credits | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
- Roehrborn CG, McConnell JD (2007). Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and natural history. In AJ Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 3, pp. 2727–2765. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
- Webber R (2006). Benign prostatic hyperplasia, search date May 2005. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
- Roehrborn CG, et al. (2008). The effects of dutasteride, tamsulosin and combination therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic enlargement: 2-year results from the CombAT study. Journal of Urology, 179(2): 616–621.
- AUA Practice Guidelines Committee (2003). AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Journal of Urology, 170(2, Part 1): 530–547. Available online: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines.cfm?sub=bph.
- Wilt TJ, N'Dow J (2008). Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Part 2—Management. BMJ, 336(7637): 206–210.
Enlarged Prostate: Should I Take Medicine?
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the facts
Your options
- Take prescription medicine to help your symptoms.
- Don't take medicine. Instead, try watchful waiting and manage your symptoms at home.
Watchful waiting and medicines are usually the first things considered for an enlarged prostate. Sometimes surgery is needed for more serious symptoms.
Key points to remember
- As a rule, you don't need medicine for an enlarged prostate unless the symptoms bother you or you have other problems such as backed-up urine, bladder infections, or bladder stones.
- About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment. That means that 6 out of 10 men need medicine or surgery to help their symptoms.1
- The side effects of medicine may bother you more than your symptoms.
- Taking medicine may help keep you from needing surgery in the future.2
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is better known as an enlarged prostate. It happens to almost all men as they age. It is not cancer.
An enlarged prostate is usually harmless, but it often causes problems with urination. About half of all men older than 75 have some symptoms.
The most important thing in deciding whether to get treatment is how much the symptoms bother you and how much they affect your quality of life.
What medicines are used to treat an enlarged prostate?
Medicines are sometimes used to help relieve bothersome, moderate to severe urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate. If you stop using medicine, the symptoms will probably return.
Medicine choices include:
- Alpha-blockers, such as terazosin (Hytrin), which relax muscle tissue.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), which shrink the prostate.
- A combination of the two, which may help your symptoms more than either medicine alone.3
|
5-alpha reductase inhibitor |
Alpha-blocker |
|---|---|
|
|
What can you do if you don't want to take medicine?
If you don't want to take medicine, you can try watchful waiting while managing your symptoms at home.
Watchful waiting means you have regular checkups to be sure that your symptoms aren't getting worse. And you try making these small changes to your lifestyle to control your symptoms:
- Don't try to rush your urination. Try to relax while using the bathroom.
- Don't limit your fluid intake to avoid having to urinate. Drink fluids throughout the day. Limit fluids in the evening if you often wake up at night to urinate.
- If you can, avoid medicines that make your symptoms worse, such as nonprescription antihistamines, decongestants (including nasal sprays), and allergy pills. Talk to your doctor first.
- Try herbal supplements, such as saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol. Talk with your doctor first.
About 4 out of 10 men get better without treatment. This means that 6 out of 10 men need medicine or surgery to help their symptoms.1
Why might your doctor recommend medicine for BPH?
Your doctor may recommend taking medicine for BPH if:
- You have tried to manage your symptoms through watchful waiting, but they still bother you.
- You have a large prostate, and your doctor feels that you may be at risk for urinary retention. (Urinary retention means you can't urinate because your prostate blocks your urethra.)
- You have a history of serious urinary retention.
- You have kidney problems associated with urinary retention.
2. Compare your options
| Take medicine | Don't take medicine | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
Personal stories about using medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I've been having a lot of trouble getting a good night's sleep now that I have this enlarged prostate. I'm up 4 or 5 times a night to go to the bathroom, and then both my wife and I are tired all day. My doctor said these medicines often help with that problem, so I'm going to try them. Even if I still had to get up a couple of times a night, I would get more rest and have more energy during the day."
— Jake, age 61
"When I started having problems urinating, my first thought was that it had to be cancer. My brother-in-law had similar symptoms, but he ignored them for a long time and eventually died of prostate cancer. I decided not to ignore them, so I went right to my doctor. He did a rectal exam and a PSA test and said that he was confident that my prostate was just enlarged and that it did not appear that I had cancer. He said if I wanted something to treat the symptoms, he could prescribe medicine. But I was just happy that the problem wasn't due to cancer, so I decided to manage the symptoms on my own for now."
— Jim, age 65
"I've been taking medicine to lower my blood pressure for several years now. Then a few months ago I started having to urinate often and feeling like I never really emptied my bladder. My doctor checked it out and said my prostate is enlarged and that it is most likely causing my problems. He said that if the symptoms bother me enough, there is a medicine I can take that will also lower my blood pressure. So it wouldn't mean taking several different medicines. I'm going to give it a try."
— Michael, age 54
"Several months ago, I started taking medicine to treat my prostate symptoms. The doctor said that most men don't have serious side effects, but I guess I'm one of the few who do. Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and tired was affecting me more than my prostate symptoms were, so I decided to stop taking the medicine. I found that my symptoms actually got a little better by themselves. For now, I'm managing okay with home treatment. My doctor and I will keep talking about other options if my symptoms get worse and I decide I want to try something different."
— Carl, age 58
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take medicine
Reasons not to take medicine
I have symptoms that really bother me.
My symptoms don't really bother me.
I would rather live with side effects from medicine than have my symptoms.
I worry about the side effects of medicine.
I don't mind taking medicine every day.
I don't want to take medicine every day.
I'm not worried about how much the medicine will cost.
I really worry about how much the medicine will cost.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking medicine
NOT taking medicine
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. I may not need to take medicine if my symptoms don't bother me very much.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
2. I may get better without treatment.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
3. Medicines can cause side effects that may be worse than my symptoms.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
- Roehrborn CG, McConnell JD (2007). Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and natural history. In AJ Wein, ed., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 3, pp. 2727–2765. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
- Webber R (2006). Benign prostatic hyperplasia, search date May 2005. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
- Roehrborn CG, et al. (2008). The effects of dutasteride, tamsulosin and combination therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic enlargement: 2-year results from the CombAT study. Journal of Urology, 179(2): 616–621.
- AUA Practice Guidelines Committee (2003). AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Journal of Urology, 170(2, Part 1): 530–547. Available online: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines.cfm?sub=bph.
- Wilt TJ, N'Dow J (2008). Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Part 2—Management. BMJ, 336(7637): 206–210.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
Last Revised: August 23, 2011
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology
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