Drug therapy for BPH

From 45 every year as a precaution.
The man has on the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH no control. To this extent, there can be no personal preventive measures. However, a possible early detection and treatment of disease important. Thus, serious consequences are avoided. The personal living conditions are then restricted by far not as far-reaching. The therapy can be done with gentle methods. For this reason, regular use of medical screening is of great importance.


Checks must be.
The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) depends very strongly on the severity of the disease and the complaints of those affected. Does the person have no significant complaints with the emptying of the bladder (see stage 1 after Vahlensieck), it is carried out usually no treatment. However, should be performed at regular intervals check-ups.


Multiple causes allow different therapeutic approaches.
In stages I and II according to Alken, the appeal stage and the Restharnstadium, often herbal supplements (phytotherapeutic agents) are used. Some of these drugs to achieve a demonstrable improvement in symptoms. This shows the uroflow and residual urine measurement. However, it should also be the placebo effect with this medication be taken into account. Overall, it can be said that the development of BPH on complex interlocking physical changes are based. This allows for a variety of different therapeutic approaches.


Phytotherapeutic
See also: Herbal medicines for BPH
Phytotherapeutic or herbal extracts have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect. They counteract edema and blood stasis. This results in improvements result mainly of irritation symptoms of BPH syndrome. Although the mechanisms of action of many herbal supplements are not scientifically proven, and some are not superior to placebo, they are at an early stage, but an effective therapeutic option for the dar. beta-sitosterol are located in a scientifically controlled study to show that this herbal preparation to an objective symptom improvement in urinary flow rate and residual urine and a marked alleviation of subjective complaints leads. The mechanism here is also unknown.


Alpha-1-receptor blockers
Alpha-1-receptor blockers (drugs: terazosin, prazosin, alfuzosin, etc.) are drugs that take on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system influence. They bring about a relaxation of tension in the muscle cells of the enlarged prostate and the inner bladder closure. They facilitate the emptying of the bladder, because the outflow resistance is lowered. The dosage should start low and then slowly increased. Problem is the frequent side effects, especially hypotension, dizziness and headache. The libido can be reduced. In rare cases, is a painful persistent erection (priapism) have occurred. New alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor blockers (tamsulosin drug) claim to selectively act only in the prostate. Thus they have little systemic effect.


5-alpha reductase inhibitors
5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride drug) are drugs that reduce the effect of 5-alpha reductase. This substance interferes with the metabolism of testosterone within the prostate one. It causes the conversion of circulating testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is active in prostate cells. By inhibiting 5-alpha reductase less dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced and inhibited cell growth within the prostate. In long term studies, a significant reduction of the prostate in a continuous daily medication has been proven. The onset of action may have to wait up to half a year on themselves. Are the drugs sold, the prostate is enlarged again. Therefore, a long-term use is necessary. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce PSA levels by up to 50 percent. Side effects can occur, headache and abdominal pain, weakness, decreased libido and erectile problems.


Antiestrogens
Anti-estrogens inhibit the formation of estrogens from androgenic precursors of the hormones of the adrenal gland (see here). When side effects occur are: higher blood pressure, headache, leg edema, anorexia, changes in the tongue mucosa including The effectiveness is still being determined in scientific studies


Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens (progestins / progesterone) are drugs that will block the growth-enhancing effect of testosterone on the prostate. This treatment, although still widely used, is now obsolete. They should not be applied because of the significant side effects in BPH.