Treating a growing prostate gland: what are your options?
As men age, the prostate gland can enlarge—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While not cancerous, an enlarged prostate can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Fortunately, a range of effective treatments is available, including medications and, in some cases, surgery. The best treatment for you depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, and your overall health.
Diagnosing an Enlarged Prostate
To confirm whether your prostate is enlarged, your doctor may:
Perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size
Order a urine test to rule out a bladder infection, which can mimic BPH symptoms and is treated with antibiotics
Once BPH is diagnosed, your doctor will discuss appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.
Medications for BPH: Two Main Options
If you're experiencing symptoms such as weak urine flow, frequent urination, or difficulty starting urination, your doctor may recommend one or both of the following medication types:
Alpha Blockers
These medications relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier for urine to flow.
Onset of Relief: Symptoms may improve within a few days
Best for: Men with mild to moderate prostate enlargement
Common alpha blockers:
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
Doxazosin (Cardura)
Silodosin (Rapaflo)
Terazosin (Hytrin)
5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARIs)
These drugs shrink the prostate over time by blocking the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which contributes to prostate growth.
Onset of Relief: Improvement may take 6–12 months
Effect: May reduce prostate size by up to 25%
Common 5-ARIs:
Finasteride (Proscar)
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Doctors may prescribe both types of medications together for greater effectiveness, especially if the prostate is significantly enlarged.
Other Treatment Options
Surgery
If medications don't provide sufficient relief or cause unwanted side effects, your doctor may recommend surgical procedures to remove excess prostate tissue. Surgery is also considered when BPH causes complications like:
Urinary retention
Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bladder stones or kidney damage
Tadalafil for BPH and ED
For men who experience both BPH symptoms and erectile dysfunction (ED), a low daily dose of tadalafil (Cialis) can be a convenient dual-purpose treatment. Tadalafil is FDA-approved for treating both conditions and may improve urinary and sexual symptoms simultaneously.
Take Control of Your Prostate Health
If you’re noticing signs of an enlarged prostate, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and greatly improve your quality of life.
Take control of your prostate health with expert support from Bastion Health. Whether you need guidance on medications, lifestyle changes, or referrals for advanced care, our virtual services are easy to access and covered through your employer-sponsored benefits—helping you live comfortably and confidently.
