Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Pictures Slideshow Embarrassing Male Body Problems

Medical Author:

Glenn S. Gerber, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medications

Two types of medications have been approved for treatment of prostate enlargement:

• Alpha-blockers, such as terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), or doxazosin (Cardura), relax the muscles in the prostate and thus may relieve symptoms. Newer alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin (Flomax) and alfuzosin (Uroxatral), are more commonly prescribed because they may have fewer side effects.



• Finasteride (Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart) can cause the prostate to shrink. As a result, the urinary symptoms may improve. These drugs are most helpful in men who have at least moderate enlargement of the prostate.

More recent studies have indicated that the best results may be seen in men who take a combination of an alpha blocker and a drug to shrink the prostate.