The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Medications for bph
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (A NON-CANCEROUS ENLARGED PROSTATE)
Our drug therapy options can help you manage an enlarged prostate and possibly avoid or delay surgery
Treating BPH with medication
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland near the neck of the bladder. An enlarged prostate or prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) puts pressure on the urethra (waterpipe) and can make it difficult for you to pass urine. If you've been diagnosed with BPH, your consultant may prescribe drugs to help you medically manage your symptoms. There are two types of drug:
- alpha blockers
- five-alpha-reductase inhibitors
Treating BPH with drugs can help to alleviate your symptoms if they aren't too bothersome. Occasionally, your consultant may prescribe both an alpha blocker and a five-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Medical management of BPH can also help you to avoid or postpone surgery.
Need to know
What are alpha blockers?
Alpha blockers are able to relax certain muscles in the bladder and prostate. In doing so, they reduce pressure on the urethra, which in turn improves urine flow. Alpha blockers are not a cure for BPH. But, within six weeks, they can help to improve symptoms by 29-50% and flow rates by 20-30%.
What are five alpha reductase inhibitors?
Five-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the size of the prostate and, as a result, help to relieve urine obstruction. They do this by stopping the production of DHT, the enzyme needed for the prostate to grow. Five-alpha-reductase inhibitors can take up to six months to be effective.
Your consultant will explain which drug is right for you. They'll also explain any risks or side effects involved.
The possible side effects of alpha blockers include:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headaches
- dry mouth
- erection
- ejaculation problems
- low blood pressure
- weakness
- upset stomach
- nasal congestion
The possible side effects of five-alpha-reductase inhibitors include:
- erection and ejaculation problems
- reduced sex drive.
You may be asked to attend regular check-ups every three-to-six months while taking the medication. This lets us assess kidney function, symptom scores and the size of your prostate.
Drug treatments for BPH are not a cure and may need to be taken long-term. They also do not guarantee that you won't need further treatment or surgery at some time in the future.
Our Medications for bph locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Prostate Centre
18 Devonshire Street W1G 7AQ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.