$Unique_ID{BRK02064}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:  Symptoms, Treatment, and Side Effects}
$Subject{prostate benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH prostate gland urinary
stream urinate urine urination bladder urethra finasteride Proscar male
hormone male hormones erection semen sexual urge sexual desire hypertrophy
medication medications}
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The Testes*0002907.scf
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System*0006001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:  Symptoms, Treatment, and Side Effects


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QUESTION:  What can you tell me about a new medicine for men with prostate
trouble?  I think I have all the symptoms that my brother has, and he is
taking the medicine.  Can I buy it at the pharmacy, or is a doctor's
prescription needed?  And my last question, is there any danger in taking this
stuff?  Please consider these questions for your column.  I think there must
be a lot of guys like me who could use the information.

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ANSWER:  If you are over 50, and there have been some changes in the way you
urinate, you may well have a condition known as "benign prostatic hyperplasia"
(BPH).  This is an enlargement of the prostate gland, and affects many men
over the age of 50.  It is not a cancerous condition (thus the word "benign"
in the name), but must be evaluated carefully to be sure of the diagnosis.
The symptoms include a weakening of the urinary stream, difficulty or
hesitancy in starting to urinate, a need to pass water more frequently
(particularly at night), and a sense that the bladder is never completely
emptied afterward.  All of these symptoms are caused by the fact that the
prostate gland has grown and is now pressing on the urethra, the tube that
leads from the bladder and carries the urine out of the body.  If these
symptoms are mild, and the doctor can make the diagnosis of BPH, a period of
waiting with frequent monitoring may be all that is needed.  However when
symptoms are bothersome, a choice between medication or surgery should be
made.
     The new medication your brother may be using is called finasteride (brand
name Proscar by Merck & Co.)  It acts to lower the amount of a male hormone in
the body, which is a major cause for the growth of the prostate gland.  This
causes the prostate to shrink, and the urinary symptoms gradually decrease as
well.  It may take as long as 6 months before improvement may be seen, and
although the medication may help, surgery may still be necessary.
     Though not dangerous, there are some side effects from this medication,
as with all medications, that may occur in a small percentage of men who take
the medication.  They include a reduced sexual urge, or difficulties with
erection.  In some cases the amount of semen released during sex may be less,
though this does not seem to interfere with normal relations.  The medication
is available only with a doctor's prescription, and should only be used after
a complete examination and diagnosis.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.