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In This Report

•	Highlights
•	Introduction
•	Causes
•	Risk Factors
•	Symptoms
•	Diagnosis
•	Treatment
•	Lifestyle Changes
•	Medications
•	Surgery
•	Resources
•	References

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•	Prostate resection - minima...
•	Simple prostatectomy

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Highlights

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. However, the actual size of the gland does not always predict symptom severity. Some men with minimally enlarged prostate glands may experience symptoms while other men with much larger glands may have few symptoms. BPH is very common among older men, affecting about 60% of men over age 60 and 80% of men over age 80.

BPH Symptoms

The symptoms associated with BPH are collectively called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These are generally classified as either voiding (obstructive) symptoms or storage (irritative) symptoms.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

• An urgent need to urinate and difficulty postponing urination
• A hesitation before urine flow starts despite the urgency to urinate
• Straining when urinating
• Weak or intermittent urinary stream
• A sense that the bladder has not emptied completely
• Dribbling at the end of urination or leakage afterward
• An increased frequency of urination (every few hours), particularly at night

Urinary retention (inability to void) is a serious symptom of severe BPH that requires immediate medical attention

Treatment

BPH is not a cancerous or precancerous condition. It rarely causes serious complications, and men usually have a choice whether to treat it immediately or delay treatment. Treatment options include medications and surgery.

Drug Warning

Tamsulosin (Flomax), a drug used to treat BPH, has been associated with an eye condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). Men who take tamsulosin should inform their doctors before having cataract or other eye surgery. Tamsulosin and other alpha-blocker drugs can cause difficulty with these surgeries. The risks appear highest with selective alpha-blockers, which also include alfusozin (Uroxatral) and silodosin (Rapaflo). Silodosin is a new selective alpha-blocker, approved in 2008.

Introduction

Hyperplasia is a general medical term referring to an abnormal increase in cells. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is noncancerous cell growth of the prostate gland. It is the most common noncancerous form of cell growth in men and usually begins with microscopic nodules in younger men. BPH is not a precancerous condition and does not lead to prostate cancer.

The prostate gland is an organ that surrounds the urinary urethra in men. It secretes fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen. The urethra carries urine from the bladder and sperm from the testes to the penis.

As BPH progresses, it can lead to enlargement of the prostate gland (a condition called benign prostatic enlargement [BPE]). About half of men with BPH go on to develop an enlarged prostate. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urinary tube (urethra), causing urinary symptoms. These urinary difficulties are part of a group of symptoms called collectively lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

The size of the prostate gland in patients with an enlarged prostate is not always directly related to a patient’s symptoms. Not all men with BPH have LUTS, and not all men with LUTS have BPH. About a third of men with BPH have symptoms that interfere with their quality of life.

Click the icon to see an image of BPH.

The Prostate Gland

Description of the Prostate Gland. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra (the tube that carries urine through the penis).

Click the icon to see an image of the male reproductive anatomy.

Functions of the Prostate Gland. The prostate gland provides the following functions:

• The glandular cells produce a milky fluid, and during sex the smooth muscles contract and squeeze this fluid into the urethra. Here, it mixes with sperm and other fluids to make semen.
• The prostate gland also contains an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, another male hormone with a major impact on the prostate.

Changes During the Lifespan. The prostate gland undergoes many changes during the course of a man's life. At birth, the prostate is about the size of a pea. It grows only slightly until puberty, when it begins to enlarge rapidly. It reaches normal adult size and shape, about that of a walnut, when a man is in his early 20s. The gland generally remains stable until about the mid-40s, when, in most men, the prostate begins to grow again through a process of cell multiplication.

The Process of Urination

The process of urination is more complicated than it appears:

• It begins when waste fluids flow out of the kidneys into two long tubes called ureters.
• The ureters empty into the bladder, which rests on top of the pelvic floor, a muscular structure similar to a sling running between the pubic bone and the base of the spine.
• The brain regulates muscles in the urinary tract through a pathway of nerves. As the bladder fills to its capacity of 8 - 16 oz of fluid, the nerves send signals from the bladder to the brain that indicate how full the bladder is.
• As the bladder swells, the muscles contract to prevent urination.
• At the time of urination, the spinal cord initiates the voiding reflex. The detrusor muscles (which surround the bladder) contract, while the internal sphincter (a strong muscle encircling the neck of the bladder) relaxes.
• When the internal sphincter is open, urine flows out of the bladder into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis).

Causes

The causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia are not fully understood. Several theories have been proposed to explain benign cell growth in older men.

Hormonal Changes

Male Hormones. Androgens (male hormones) most likely play a role in prostate growth. The most important androgen is testosterone, which is produced in the testes throughout a man's lifetime. The prostate converts testosterone to a more powerful androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates cell growth in the tissue that lines the prostate gland (the glandular epithelium) and is the major cause of the rapid prostate enlargement that occurs between puberty and young adulthood. DHT is a prime suspect in prostate enlargement in later adulthood.

Female Hormones. The female hormone estrogen may also play a role in BPH. (Some estrogen is always present in men.) As men age, testosterone levels drop, and the proportion of estrogen increases, possibly triggering prostate growth.

Late Activation of Cell Growth

Another theory focuses on cells in a certain section of the gland that may become active late in life, signaling other prostate cells to replicate or causing them to be sensitive to growth-stimulating hormones.

Risk Factors

Age

Age is the major risk factor for BPH. Over half of men develop BPH by age 60 and about 85% of men have BPH by age 85. It is uncommon for BPH to cause symptoms before age 40.

Family History

A family history of BPH appears to increase a man's chance of developing the condition.

Heart Disease Risk Factors and BPH

Some evidence indicates that the same risk factors associated with heart disease may increase the risk of developing BPH. These risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Lifestyle factors that are unhealthy for the heart (lack of physical activity, cigarette smoking, poor diet) may also possibly increase BPH risk or worsen its symptoms.

Symptoms

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are categorized either as voiding (formerly called obstructive) or storage (formerly called irritative) symptoms. BPH is often, but not always, the cause of LUTS, especially the voiding symptoms. Other medical conditions, such as bladder problems, can also cause these symptoms.

Some men with BPH may have few or no symptoms. The size of the prostate does not determine symptom severity. An enlarged prostate may be accompanied by few symptoms, while severe LUTS may be present with normal or even small prostates.

Voiding (Obstructive) Symptoms

Voiding symptoms can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract. They are often due to BPH. (Obstruction is the most serious complication of BPH and requires medical attention.) Voiding symptoms include:

• A hesitation before urine flow starts despite the urgency to urinate
• Straining when urinating
• Weak or intermittent urinary stream
• A sense that the bladder has not emptied completely
• Dribbling at the end of urination or leakage afterward

Storage (Irritative) Symptoms

Storage symptoms, also referred to as filling symptoms, include:

• An increased frequency of urination (every few hours), particularly at night
• An urgent need to urinate and difficulty postponing urination
• Painful or burning sensation when urinating

Urine flows from the kidney through the ureters into the urinary bladder where it is temporarily stored. As the bladder becomes distended with urine, nerve impulses from the bladder signal the brain that it is full, giving the individual the urge to void. By voluntarily relaxing the sphincter muscle around the urethra, the bladder can be emptied of urine. Urine then flows out through the urethra.

Serious Symptoms

Urinary retention (inability to void) is a serious symptom of severe BPH that requires immediate medical attention. Urinary retention can be a sign of obstruction in the bladder. Bladder obstruction can cause bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, and incontinence.

Diagnosis

A doctor makes a diagnosis of BPH based on description of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and various blood and urine tests. The doctor may recommend that the patient sees a urologist for complex test procedures.

Some diagnostic tests are used to rule out cancers of the prostate or bladder as the cause of symptoms. In some cases, symptoms of prostate cancer can be similar to those of BPH. Tests may also be performed to see if BPH has caused any kidney damage.

Medical History

The doctor will ask about the patient’s personal and family medical history, including past and present medical conditions. The doctor will also ask about any medications the patient may be taking that could cause urinary problems

Physical Examination

Digital Rectal Exam. The digital rectal exam is used to detect an enlarged prostate. The doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the patient's rectum and feels the prostate to estimate its size and to detect nodules or tenderness. The exam is quick and painless. The test helps rule out prostate cancer or problems with the muscles in the rectum that might be causing symptoms, but it can underestimate the prostate's size. It is never the sole diagnostic tool for either BPH or prostate cancer.

Other Physical Examinations. The doctor will usually press on and manipulate (palpate) the abdomen and sides to detect signs of kidney or bladder abnormalities. The doctor will also check for signs of swelling in the legs and arms. Certain procedures that test reflexes, sensations, and motor response may be performed in the lower extremities to rule out possible neurologic causes of bladder dysfunction.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the patient's blood. It is a widely used but controversial screening test for prostate cancer. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but BPH itself usually raises PSA levels. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #33: Prostate cancer .]

Urinalysis

A urinalysis can detect signs of bleeding or infection. A urinalysis involves a physical and chemical examination of a urine sample. A urinalysis also helps rule out bladder cancer.

Uroflowmetry

To determine whether the bladder is obstructed, an electronic test called uroflowmetry measures the speed of urine flow. To perform this test, the patient urinates into a special toilet equipped with a measuring device. A reduced flow may indicate BPH. However, bladder obstruction can also be caused by other conditions including weak bladder muscles and problems in the urethra.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy, also called urethrocystoscopy, is a test performed by a urologist to check for problems in the lower urinary tract, including the urethra and bladder. The doctor can determine the presence of structural problems including enlargement of the prostate, obstruction of the urethra or neck of the bladder, anatomical abnormalities, or bladder stones. The test may also identify bladder cancer, and causes of blood in the urine and infection.

In this procedure, a thin tube with a light at the end (cytoscope) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The doctor may insert tiny instruments through the cytoscope to take small tissue samples (biopsies). Cytoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient may be given local, spinal, or general anesthesia.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a painless procedure that can give an accurate picture of the size and shape of the prostate gland. Ultrasound may also be used for detecting kidney damage, tumors, and bladder stones. Ultrasound tests of the prostate generally use one of two methods:

• Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) uses a rectal probe for assessing the prostate. TRUS is significantly more accurate for determining prostate volume.
• Transabdominal ultrasonography uses a device placed over the abdomen. It can give an accurate measure of postvoid residual urine and can be used to check for kidney damage caused by severe BPH.

Postvoid Residual Urine

The postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) test measures the amount of urine left after urination. Normally, about 50 mL or less of urine is left; more than 200 mL is a sign of abnormalities. Measurements in between require further tests. The most common method for measuring PVR is with a catheter, a soft tube that is inserted into the urethra within a few minutes of urination. PVR can also be measured using transabdominal or suprapelvic ultrasonography.

Ruling Out Other Causes of Symptoms

In addition to prostate cancer, other conditions and factors can cause lower urinary tract symptoms similar to those associated with BPH:

Structural Abnormalities. Abnormalities in the urinary tract can cause BPH-like symptoms. These abnormalities include narrowing of the urethra, weakened bladder, and prostate muscle contractions. Such conditions can produce obstruction, impairor weaken the detrusor muscles surrounding the bladder, or cause other damage that impacts the urinary tract.

Prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can be caused by bacterial or nonbacterial factors. (The most common form of prostatitis is nonbacterial, a condition also called prostatosis.) Symptoms include urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, and the need to urinate at night. Pain may occur in the lower back or rectum, or it may develop after ejaculation.

Medications. A number of medications can cause lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary retention, and can worsen symptoms of BPH. These medication classes include antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, opiates, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Treatment

Because BPH rarely causes serious complications, men usually have a choice between treating it or opting for watchful waiting:

• Watchful Waiting. Watchful waiting (also known as active surveillance) involves lifestyle changes and an annual examination. (Even when choosing watchful waiting, it is important to have a doctor perform an initial examination to rule out other disorders.) BPH is a progressive condition and as it worsens it can cause urinary tract infections, bladder damage, and kidney damage. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition to determine when it may be time to start treatment.
• Treatment. The primary goals of treatment for BPH are to improve urinary flow and to reduce symptoms. Many options are available. They include drug therapies to help shrink or relax the prostate, minimally invasive procedures that use heat to reduce excess prostate tissue, and major surgery to remove part of the prostate.

Deciding Between Treatment and Watchful Waiting

The choice between watchful waiting and treatment usually depends on symptoms severity. The American Urological Association’s BPH Symptom Score uses seven questions to evaluate a patient’s urinary symptoms during the past month. (The International Prostate Symptoms Score is another index that is also used.) The questions are:

• How often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
• How often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?
• How often have you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
• How often have you found it difficult to urinate?
• How often have you had a weak urinary stream?
• How often had you had to push or strain to begin urination?
• How many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning?

Responses for the first six questions are scaled from “not at all” to “almost always.” (The last question uses answers ranging from “none” to “5 or more times”.) Each response is assigned a number on a scale of 0 to 5, and totaled into a symptom score. The symptom score can fall anywhere between 0 and 35.

Patients with mild symptoms will have low scores and may decide to delay treatment. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. Treatment can reduce the score:

• A score reduction of 5 points indicates modest symptom relief
• A score reduction of 5 to 10 points indicates moderate symptom relief
• A score reduction of more than 10 points indicates large symptom relief

Your doctor can discuss with you the various treatment options and the likelihood of symptom relief they may provide. All treatments have various side effects, which need to be taken into consideration. Quality of life is as important as symptom severity.

Treatment Options

Medications. In general, there is no reason to treat BPH with medications unless symptoms become very uncomfortable. The size of the prostate, determined by exam or ultrasound, cannot indicate the need for medications. Evidence suggests that:

• Medications are the best choice for men with mild symptoms who want treatment. There are two standard choices: Alpha-blockers and anti-androgens. Specific factors indicate the best choice, although most men take an alpha-blocker. Men with mild symptoms who choose surgery only experience minor improvement afterward but face the same risks as patients with more severe symptoms.
• Men with moderate-to-severe symptoms often respond to the same medications as men with mild symptoms. Recent developments in drug therapy have reduced the number of surgical procedures needed and delayed their use.

Surgery. A quarter of men with moderate symptoms, and even more men with severe symptoms, eventually need surgery. If a man chooses surgery, there are many choices. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard procedure, but less invasive procedures, particularly those using heat or lasers to destroy prostate tissue, are becoming more common.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing transurethral resection of the prostate surgery.

The most common reason for choosing surgery is obstruction of the bladder outlet, which causes urinary retention. Surgery is also typically a reasonable option when BPH is clearly related to one or more of the following conditions:

• Recurrent urinary tract infection
• Blood in the urine (hematuria). Studies have suggested that when hematuria is left untreated, two-thirds of patients continue to bleed and one third require surgery. The drug finasteride may help some men with this condition and should probably be tried before surgery.
• Bladder stones
• Kidney problems
• Moderate-to-severe symptoms that are not well controlled with medications

Increased urinary flow and reduced urine retention are the greatest improvements resulting from surgery. Often, however, the benefits of surgery are not permanent.

Lifestyle Changes

General Lifestyle Recommendations

Certain lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms and are particularly important for men who choose to avoid surgery or drug therapy. They include:

• Limit daily fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL (about 2 quarts).
• Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Limit beverages in the evening. Avoid drinking fluids after your evening meal.
• Try to urinate at least once every 3 hours.
• “Double-voiding” may be helpful -- after urinating, wait and try to urinate again.
• Stay active. Cold weather and immobility may increase the risk for urine retention. Keeping warm and exercising may help.

Avoiding Medications that Aggravate Symptoms

Decongestants and Antihistamines. Men with BPH should avoid, if possible, the many medications for colds and allergies that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Such drugs, known as adrenergics, can exacerbate urinary symptoms by preventing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck from relaxing to allow urine to flow freely. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can also slow urine flow in some men with BPH.

Diuretics. Men who are taking diuretics, which increase urination, may want to talk to their doctor about reducing the dosage or switching to another drug. These are important drugs for many people with high blood pressure, with a proven track record for saving lives. No one should go off these medications without medical supervision.

Other Drugs. Other drugs that may worsen symptoms are certain antidepressants and drugs used to treat spasticity.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, first developed to help women with childbirth, may also help men prevent urine leakage, particularly after surgical procedure. These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that both support the bladder and close the sphincter.

Performing the Exercises. Since the muscle is internal and sometimes hard to isolate, doctors often recommend practicing while urinating:

• The patient is asked to contract the muscle until the flow of urine is slowed or stopped. He attempts to hold each contraction for 20 seconds.
• He then releases the contraction.
• In general, patients should perform 5 - 15 contractions, three to five times daily.

Dietary Factors

A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruit may help reduce BPH risk. Some evidence indicates that fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C may help protect against BPH. Dietary choices should also focus on increasing intake of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and limiting intake of saturated fats and trans-fatty acids.

[For more information, see In-Depth Report #43: Heart healthy diet.]

Herbs and Supplements

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been several reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Patients should check with their doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Popular herbal and dietary supplement treatments for BPH include:

• Saw palmetto is one of the most popular herbal remedies for BPH. It comes from the berry of the plant Serenoa repens. Most clinical trials have shown a modest benefit at best. A large, high-quality study found that saw palmetto had no benefit for treating BPH for men with moderate-to-severe BPH when the herb was taken for 1 year.
• Other popular herbs include include extracts from African plum tree (Pygeum africanum), rye grass pollen (Secale cerale), stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica), South African star grass (Hypoxis rooperi), and pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita peponis). Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol found in some of these herbs that is marketed as a dietary supplement for prostate health. There is no scientific evidence that any of these remedies help treat BPH.
• Patients should be aware that high doses of zinc supplements may increase the risk and progression of BPH.

Medications

The two primary drug classes used for BPH are:

• Alpha-blockers. These drugs relax smooth muscles, especially in the bladder neck and prostate. They include terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin (Cardura), tamsulosin (Flomax), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and silodosin (Rapaflo). Alpha-blockers help relieve BPH symptoms, but they do not reduce the size of the prostate. The can help improve urine flow and reduce risk of bladder obstruction. They are often the first choice, especially for men with smaller prostates.
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the male hormone that stimulates the prostate. These drugs are better for men with significantly enlarged prostates. In addition to relieving symptoms, they increase urinary flow and may even help shrink the prostate. However, patients may have to take these drugs for up to 6 - 12 months to achieve full benefits.

Because these two types of drugs work in different ways, combinations of the two may control symptoms in select patients more effectively than either drug alone. The combination treatment may work best for patients with larger prostate glands and higher PSA readings. Many men, however, can control their condition with a single drug.

Alpha-Blockers

General Guidelines for Alpha-Blockers. Alpha-adrenergic antagonists, commonly called alpha-blockers, were originally used to treat high blood pressure. They are prescribed for BPH to relax smooth muscles in the prostate. The muscle cells in the prostate are stimulated by molecules called alpha adrenergic receptors. This can cause lower urinary tract symptoms.

Drugs that block these receptors relax the muscles in and around the prostate, increase urinary flow and improve symptoms, sometimes significantly. Improvement occurs within days to weeks. Because these drugs are short-acting, symptoms return very quickly once a man stops taking the medication. They neither affect PSA levels nor shrink the size of the prostate.

Alpha-blockers are prescribed for most men with BPH symptoms whose prostates are not significantly enlarged. Even men with moderately enlarged prostates might try alpha-blockers before more intense treatments because these drugs work fairly quickly, have no effect on sexual drive, and are the least expensive treatment for BPH. Some doctors now recommend alpha-blockers as first-line treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms.

These drugs are generally referred to as either nonselective or selective alpha-blockers. Nonselective alpha-blockers relax all smooth muscles in the body that surround blood vessels. Selective alpha-blockers target more specifically the smooth muscles of the prostate, but they can also affect other areas of the body, such as the eyes. Drugs in both categories are similar in effectiveness for reducing symptoms and improving urinary flow. There are some differences, however. Discuss with your doctor which alpha-blocker is best for your individual condition.

Brands. Nonselective alpha-blockers (also referred to as alpha-specific antagonists) for treatment of BPH include:

• Terazosin (Hytrin)
• Doxazosin (Cardura)

Selective alpha-blockers for treatment of BPH are:

• Tamsulosin (Flomax)
• Alfusozin (Uroxatral)
• Silodosin (Rapaflo)

Side Effects. Alpha-blockers can reduce blood pressure, which may cause dizziness lightheadedness, and fainting. Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, can occur and increases the risk of falling. Taking the medication close to bedtime can help reduce these side effects. Because of the reduced blood pressure side effect, do not take phosphodiesterase inhibitors [such as sildenafil (Viagra)] at the same time, at least without advice from a doctor.

Alpha-blockers can also cause headache, and stuffy or runny nose. Men may also experience a decreased ejaculate. (Erectile dysfunction is not a usual side effect of alpha-blockers, as it is with finasteride and dutasteride.)

A special concern for tamsulosin (Flomax), and other selective alpha-blockers, is that they are associated with a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). IFIS is a loss of muscle tone in the iris that can cause complications during eye surgery. Patients who are planning cataract or other eye surgery should be sure to inform their doctors prior to the surgery. IFIS appears more likely to occur with the newer, selective alpha-blockers than non-selective alpha blockers.

5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARIs)

The prostate gland contains an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase that converts testosterone to another androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), block this enzyme and thus reduce dihydrotestosterone in the prostate. This process helps to shrink an enlarged prostate and prevent future growth of the prostate. These drugs can also help prevent against urinary retention, and possibly reduce the need for future prostate surgery.

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are not as effective as alpha-blockers in improving BPH and urinary tract symptoms, but they can help modestly reduce symptoms for some men. However, these drugs take several months before they have an effect so men may not notice any signs of improvement for 3 - 6 months. The 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors are most effective in reducing symptoms in men with enlarged prostates.

Side Effects. The main side effects of finasteride and dutasteride are erectile dysfunction, lowered sexual drive (libido), and reduced semen release during ejaculation. These side effects generally subside within a year or two of treatment. (A positive side effect of finasteride is possible reduction of hair loss related to male hormones and, in some cases, hair growth in men with mild-to-moderate male pattern baldness.)

There is ongoing debate on whether 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can help prevent prostate cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Urological Association recently issued guidelines concerning the pros and cons of 5-ARIs for prostate cancer prevention. Men who take these drugs for BPH should discuss this issue with their doctors. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #33: Prostate cancer.]

These drugs decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which may mask the presence of prostate cancer. To resolve this problem, doctors calculate PSA levels in men taking these drugs by doubling the PSA values. This doubling equation helps provide an accurate measurement

Investigational Drugs

PDE5 Inhibitors. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). They include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis). Because lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and ED often occur together in older men, researchers are investigating whether PDE5 inhibitors may help improve BPH symptoms. Some studies indicate that sildenafil improves urinary symptoms in men who have both ED and LUTS. It is also being evaluated in combination with selective alpha-blocker drugs.

Surgery

Several surgical approaches are available for treating BPH. Reasons for performing prostate surgery include:

• Persistent or recurrent episodes of urinary retention (inability to urinate)
• Persistent blood in the urine
• Bladder stones
• Patients with moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms that are not responding to medications

Invasive Procedures. The most effective surgical procedure, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is also the most invasive. It has the highest risk for serious complications, including blood loss, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. However, because it is more effective than less invasive procedures, TURP remains the procedure of choice for many doctors. When considering invasive surgery, the patient should be sure that the surgeon is experienced in performing these procedures.

Less Invasive Procedures. Minimally invasive procedures use some form of heat to destroy excess prostate tissue. The heat may be delivered by:

• Radio frequency: Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
• Microwave: Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
• Electrical current: Transurethral electrovaporization (TUVP)
• Hot water: Water-induced thermotherapy (WIT)
• Laser: Interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) , holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and photoselective vaporization (PVP)

Although some of these minimally invasive procedures may be an appropriate choice for patients depending on the circumstances, none of them to date have proven superior to TURP. Over 5 - 10 years of follow-up, a higher percentage of patients receiving these less invasive procedures need surgery again. Minimally invasive procedures may be appropriate for certain patients, such as:

• Younger men. (Many of the less invasive procedures carry a lower risk for impotence and incontinence than TURP.)
• Debilitated elderly patients
• Patients with severe medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, cirrhosis, active alcoholism, psychosis, and serious lung, kidney, or heart disease
• Men who are on blood-thinning drugs

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) involves surgical removal of the inner portion of the prostate, where BPH develops. It is the most common surgical procedure for BPH, although the number of procedures has dropped significantly over the past decades because of the availability of effective medications.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing transurethral resection of the prostate surgery.

Procedure. TURP usually requires a 1 - 3 day hospital stay. The surgeon inserts a fiberoptic endoscope, which is a thin tube, into the urethra. No incision is needed. The surgeon uses the endoscope to cut away excess prostatic tissue, and water solutions are used to flush away the excised matter.

Risk of Water Intoxication. If the fluids used during TURP build up, water intoxication can develop, which can be serious. This condition is referred to as the transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome and includes abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and dizziness. It occurs in about 2% of patients and is a temporary condition occurring immediately after surgery, which can be treated with diuretics to remove excess fluid.

Postoperative Catheterization. A Foley catheter generally remains in place for 3 - 5 days after surgery to allow urination. This device is a tube inserted through the opening of the penis to drain the urine into a bag. The catheter can cause bladder spasms that can be painful, but they eventually cease.

Recuperation. Urine flow is stronger almost immediately after most TURP procedures. After the catheter is removed, patients often feel some pain or sense of urgency as the urine passes over the surgical wound. These sensations gradually subside. Complete healing takes about 2 months. The following are some tips for hastening recovery and avoiding complications:

• During recuperation at home, the patient should avoid driving, operating heavy equipment, lifting, sudden movements, and straining the muscles in the lower tracts, such as during a bowel movement.
• Drinking 8 glasses of water a day after surgery is important to flush the bladder and help healing.
• Foods that help prevent constipation, such as fruits and vegetables, are important. A laxative may be needed if constipation occurs.
• Pelvic floor exercises can help reduce incontinence. Performing three to four sets of 30 contractions daily is recommended.

Postoperative Complications. Complications after TURP can be high, depending on the skill of the surgeon and other factors, but their incidence has decreased considerably over the past decades because of advances in surgical technique and more widespread expertise.

• Bleeding. Some blood and small clots appear in the urine after surgery. In addition, if the bladder is flushed with water, the urine may turn red. Such bleeding is normal. Occasionally, the scab on the surgical wound loosens, causing a sudden appearance of blood in the urine that can be alarming. Usually this stops after a rest, but the patient should notify the doctor at once if he is concerned about abnormal bleeding or clotting or has unusual feelings of discomfort. In about 4% of cases, hemorrhage occurs either during or following surgery, requiring a transfusion. Blood loss and transfusion are more likely to occur in TURP than in minimally invasive procedures.
• Infection. Urinary tract infections occur in 5 - 10% of patients immediately following TURP surgery.
• Incontinence. Temporary stress incontinence (urine leakage after activities such as sneezing, coughing, or lifting) occurs in most surgical patients. Men may also experience urge incontinence and increased frequency of urination. Some men become completely unable to hold back their urine. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #50: Urinary incontinence.]
• Sexual Dysfunction. Retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation into the bladder rather than out through the urethra) is very common. Some men have problems achieving or retaining an erection. Dry ejaculation (orgasm without producing ejaculate) may also occur. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #15: Erectile dysfunction.]

Repeat Operations. Symptomatic relief is usually maintained for at least 15 years after surgery, but BPH may return or patients may need a second operation for other reasons. Up to 10% of TURP patients need a repeat operation within 10 years. Sometimes, scarring in the bladder severe enough to cause obstruction occurs within a year of the procedure and may require transurethral incision (TUIP). More often, the urethra is scarred and narrows, but usually this condition can be corrected by a simple stretching procedure performed in the doctor's office.

Other Invasive Surgical Procedures

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP). In TUIP, the surgeon makes only one or two incisions in the prostate, causing the bladder neck and the prostate to spring open and reduce pressure on the urethra. TUIP is generally used only for men with minimally enlarged prostates (30 grams or less) who have obstruction of the neck of the bladder.

TUIP is less invasive than TURP, has a lower rate of the same complications, particularly retrograde ejaculation, and usually does not require a hospital stay. More studies are still needed, however, to determine whether they are comparative in long-term effectiveness.

Open Prostatectomy. In open prostatectomy, the enlarged prostate is removed through an open incision in the abdomen using standard surgical techniques. This is major surgery and requires a hospital stay of several days. Open prostatectomy is used only for severe cases, about 2 - 3% of BPH patients, when the prostate is severely enlarged, the bladder is damaged, or other serious problems exist. Up to 14% of patients need a second operation because of scarring. In making a decision about prostatectomy, it is essential that the doctor explains the consequences of a diminished sexual capacity that occurs after this procedure. Prostatectomy should be considered a last resort if the patient still has an active sex life. Other complications are similar to those of TURP.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing prostatectomy surgery.

Laser Surgery

Procedures. Laser technology is used for removal of prostate tissue. Laser procedures can usually be done as an outpatient procedure, and there is little risk for bleeding.

These procedures have a faster recovery time and less risk of incontinence than invasive surgical procedures, but their longterm effectiveness is unclear. Laser surgery may not be appropriate for men with larger prostates. Different procedures are used to provide different degrees of thermal cell destruction that range from coagulation to complete vaporization:

• Interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) involves insertion of a scope through the prostate. A fiberoptic tip is threaded through the scope to direct a diode laser emission to targeted areas of the prostate. The coagulated tissue is naturally absorbed back into the body. Approved in 1998, this procedure is being performed less frequently as urologists turn to newer laser technologies (HoLEP, PVP).
• Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a newer technique that can actually cut and vaporize the tissue. Vaporization is effective immediately and also may pose lower risks for prolonged urinary retention and reoperation rates than coagulation. Clinical trials have reported benefits lasting more than four years.
• Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) uses a potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser ("green-light" laser) to vaporize prostate tissue. The procedure is virtually bloodless and may be a better option for men taking anticoagulant ("blood thinner") medication. Results from several recent clinical trials report sustained improvement up to 1 year after the procedure. More studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.

Other Less Invasive Procedures

These minimally invasive procedures carry less risks for incontinence or problems with sexual function than invasive procedures, but it is unclear how effective they are in the long term.

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT). Transurethral microwave thermotherapy delivers heat using microwave pulses to destroy prostate tissue. A microwave antenna is inserted through the urethra with ultrasound used to position it accurately. The antenna is enclosed in a cooling tube to protect the lining of the urethra. Computer-generated microwaves pulse through the antenna to heat and destroy prostate tissue. When the temperature becomes too high, the computer shuts down the heat and resumes treatment when a safe level has been reached. The procedure takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the patient can go home immediately afterward.

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA). Transurethral needle ablation is a relatively simple and safe procedure, using needles to deliver high-frequency radio waves to heat and destroy prostate tissue.

Transurethral Electrovaporization (TUVP). Transurethral electrovaporization uses high voltage electrical current delivered through a resectoscope to combine vaporization of prostate tissue and coagulation that seals the blood and lymph vessels around the area. Deprived of blood, the excess tissue dies and is sloughed off over time.

Water-Induced Thermotherapy (WIT). A device called Thermoflex, which circulates heated water through a catheter to destroy prostatic tissue, has been approved for treating BPH. Another technique uses a balloon filled with hot water to destroy tissue around the urethra.

Prostatic Stents

Prostatic stents used for BPH are flexible mesh tubes that are inserted into the urethra. Typically, the insertion procedure takes only 15 minutes. Patients need only regional anesthetic and mild sedation. There is minimal recuperation and no overnight hospital stay. Unfortunately, stents often need to be removed later because of poor placement or complications, including irritation when urinating, urinary tract infections, and treatment failure. At this point, stents seem best suited for high-risk surgical patients or those with a limited life expectancy.

Resources

• www.niddk.nih.gov -- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• www.urologyhealth.org -- American Urological Association

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