Other Options

You’ve tried watchful waiting. You’ve made healthy lifestyle changes. But you’re still living with BPH symptoms. Perhaps it’s time to talk to your doctor, who may recommend medication.

Alpha blockers
Resources indicate this type of medication helps to relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, allowing urine to flow more freely. Most men see improvements in a couple of days. But some also experience side effects such as dizziness or a decrease in ejaculation.¹ Common alpha blockers include generic and brand names:

• Alfuzosin (Uroxatral™)
• Doxazosin (Cardura™)
• Silodosin (Rapaflo™)
• Tamsulosin (Flomax™)
• Terazosin (Hytrin™)

5-alpha reductase inhibitors
These drugs are designed to stop the growth of your prostate or even shrink its size – by lowering the production of the hormone DHT. The downside? They can lower sex drive and cause erectile dysfunction. Plus, you need to be patient. It can take three to six months for symptom relief.¹ Commonly known drugs include:

• Finasteride (Proscar™)
• Dutasteride (Avodart™) 

Tadalafil (Cialis™)
It’s known as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction but is also used to treat symptoms of BPH.

Combination drug therapy
Are two BPH drugs more effective than one? Doctors often recommend combination therapy when an alpha blocker or 5-alpha reductase inhibitor isn’t working on its own. Naturally, you should discuss the use of any complementary drug or herbal remedies with your doctor. While some patients experience relief, using these medications together may lead to side effects such as a reduction in sex drive and erectile dysfunction.¹

As with many health issues that impact a patient’s quality of life, there is a range of treatment options available. Treatment options generally begin with behavioral and lifestyle changes, that can progress to medication, and potentially to surgical options.

In addition to innovative treatments such as Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy, GreenLight™ Laser Therapy, and HoLEP with MOSES™ 2.0 Technology, there are a number of methods for relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE)
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure in which the prostate arteries are embolized with small particles that block some of the blood flow to the prostate, shrinking the tissue and relieving symptoms.

Prostatic urethral lift (PUL)
This procedure utilizes permanent implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, so it no longer blocks the urethra.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
This procedure involves use of a heated wire to cut tissue from the prostate, and has been used for years to treat an enlarged prostate. 

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
A surgeon makes one or two small cuts in the prostate gland, making it easier for urine to pass through the urethra.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
Your doctor inserts a special electrode through your urethra into your prostate area. Microwave energy from the electrode destroys the inner portion of the enlarged prostate gland, shrinking it and easing urine flow. 

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
A scope is passed into your urethra, allowing your doctor to place needles into your prostate gland. Radio waves pass through the needles, heating and destroying excess prostate tissue that's blocking urine flow.

Open prostatectomy
This procedure involves removal of the inner part of the prostate hrough incisions made in the abdomen.