Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition in which the prostate grows abnormally in size. The prostate is found near a man’s bladder and is responsible for producing fluid and hormones. The prostate goes through two normal growth periods. The first is early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second begins around age 25 and the gland continues to grow.

While the prostate is usually the size of a walnut or golf ball in adult men, it can grow to be as large as an orange. As the gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urinary tract and change the shape of the bladder, weakening it over time. Eventually, the bladder may lose the ability to empty fully causing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms which include:

• Bladder problems (obstruction, overactivity),
• Nocturia (waking up during the night to urinate),
• Urinary hesitancy,
• Urine frequency,
• Pain when urinating,
• Symptoms such as weak urine stream or the need to strain while urinating can be monitored. If you are not able to pass urine at all or if you have renal failure, immediate attention is required.

BPH is benign; meaning that it is not cancer and does not lead to cancer. Many men worry that having an enlarged prostate means they have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This is not the case. The risk of prostate cancer is no greater for men with an enlarged prostate than it is for men without an enlarged prostate. BPH is very common in men over 50 and it is estimated that up to 3 million men in the UK have lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.

However the symptoms of prostate cancer and BPH are very similar so ensure that your prostate is regularly checked by a medical professional.

The causes of BPH are not clear, it is considered a normal condition of aging. Changes in male sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor. Men produce testosterone, a male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. During the aging process, it is shown that the amount of testosterone reduces in the blood, which leaves a higher proportion of estrogen. Scientific studies revealed that higher proportion of estrogen within the prostate increases the activity of substances that promote prostate cell growth.

Other scientific studies demonstrate that dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that plays a role in prostate development and growth. A reduction of testosterone levels in the blood accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate. It is also shown that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

There are many risk factors for BPH. Men who are at a higher risk include: over the age of 50 years, a family history of BPH or prostate problems, overweight or obesity, diabetes, lack of physical activity and some men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Although it is common that BPH can affect men of all ethnic backgrounds, a study found that BPH risk was higher in African American and Hispanic men than in Caucasian men.

There is no sure way to prevent BPH. Still, losing weight and eating a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, may help. Too much body fat, may increase hormone levels and other factors in the blood, and stimulate the growth of prostate cells. Staying active also helps control weight and hormone levels.

Prescription drugs may also be an option for men with BPH. Types of drugs include:

Alpha Blockers (Tamsulosin)

Alpha blockers are pills used to relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder which can help reduce BPH symptoms. They do not shrink the prostate but they may improve urine flow if there is a blockage. One benefit of alpha blockers is that they start to work right away. Side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue. Men with moderate to severe BPH and men who are concerned by their symptoms are good candidates. Alpha blockers are not a good choice if you plan to have cataract surgery soon.

Combined Therapy (Combadart 0.5mg/0.4mg)

With combined therapy, both tamsulosin (an alpha blocker) and dutasteride (a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor) are used together. They may work better together than either drug does alone to stop BPH from getting worse. By taking two drugs, you may have more side effects than if you were taking just one. One main side effect is dizziness, however this does not necessarily mean all men experience side-effects.

Flomaxtra contains the active substance tamsulosin hydrochloride. Tamsulosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. It is used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH) in men. This medicine works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate. This helps relieve BPH symptoms which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, urinary frequency and urgency.

Tamsulosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. It is used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH) in men. This medicine works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate. This helps relieve BPH symptoms which include difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying), painful urination, urinary frequency and urgency.