Therapeutic Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The spectrum of treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia is matched by the spectrum of disease severity. New medications and minimally invasive modalities offer a greater range of choices to both the urologist and the patient. As BPH is rarely life-threatening, management is generally focussed on quality of life. With up to 90% of men in their 80s suffering from BPH to some extent, the prevalence of the disease is growing. It is imperative that patients be offered the full options available to manage BPH. Pharmacologic therapies available for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH include alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as terazosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin and tamsulosin, and the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, finasteride and dutasteride. Other strategies, such as plant-derived medication or watchful waiting, are applied to varying extents. This well-written and highly illustrated guide covers all these therapies and will well serve all urologists treating BPH.