Pharmacological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The majority of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) seek medical help because of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Pharmacological treatment of BPH is indicated if the patient has no absolute indications for prostate surgery or benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), but LUTS with a decrease of quality of life. Plant extracts can be prescribed in men with mild to moderate symptoms. alpha-Blockers can quickly and effectively decrease LUTS and symptomatic disease progression. If patients have predominantly bladder filling symptoms and a small prostate, muscarinic receptor antagonists are a viable treatment option. The combination of an alpha-blocker plus a muscarinic receptor antagonist is more effective than single drugs used alone. Especially in men with larger prostates, 5alpha-reductase inhibitors can decrease LUTS and the probability of acute urinary retention as well as need for prostate surgery. The combination of alpha-blocker plus 5alpha-reductase inhibitor can reduce LUTS and disease progression more effectively than single drugs.