Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes urinary discomfort. At Andrología Málaga, we offer personalized medical treatments with medications tailored to each patient.
Treatment with pills for enlarged prostate (BPH)
What types of pills are available to treat an enlarged prostate?
Medication is one of the most common treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially in the early stages or when symptoms are not severe. These pills do not cure the disease, but they help improve urine flow, reduce prostate size, or relieve the frequent urge to urinate.
Depending on your case, your urologist may recommend one or a combination of the following groups of medications:
- Alpha-blockers
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
- Combination therapy
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
Alpha-blockers
Alpha-blocker medications or pills relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, facilitating the flow of urine. Their effect is rapid (within a few days) and they help reduce symptoms such as weak urine stream or the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Examples of brand names:
- Tamsulosin (Omnic®, Josir®)
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral®, Xatral®)
- Silodosin (Urorec®)
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
5-alpha-reductase inhibitor pills help because they gradually reduce the size of the prostate gland. They act on the hormones that cause the prostate to grow, so their effect is slower (3 to 6 months), but they are very useful for enlarged prostates or when surgery is being avoided in the long term.
Main active ingredients and brands in Spain:
- Finasteride 5 mg: Proscar®, Finasteride Cinfa®, Finasteride Normon®
- Dutasteride: Avodart®, Dutasteride Cinfa®, Dutasteride Sandoz®
Combation therapy
When an alpha-blocker is combined with a hormonal inhibitor, a dual effect is achieved: rapid symptom improvement and long-term slowing of prostate growth.
Combination available in Spain:
- Dutasteride + Tamsulosin: Duodart®
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
They are used in some cases for mild to moderate urinary symptoms, especially if the patient also has erectile dysfunction. They help improve overall quality of life.
Active ingredient and brand name in Spain:
- Tadalafil 5 mg daily: Cialis®, Tadalafil Cinfa®, Tadalafil Sandoz®
🔸 Remember: Not all pills are suitable for all patients. Treatment should be prescribed by a urologist after an individualized evaluation. Avoid self-medication.
What to do if the pills are ineffective or you're tired of them?
If medication doesn’t provide sufficient relief from symptoms, other treatment options are available. These include minimally invasive surgery, techniques such as Rezum, and holmium laser therapy, which may be more suitable depending on each patient’s individual circumstances. These alternatives aim to improve urinary flow and quality of life with less invasive procedures than traditional surgery.
Benefits of medications for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) work by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder or by reducing the size of the prostate. This facilitates the flow of urine and improves urinary symptoms.
The main benefits are: improved urine flow, less urgency and frequency of urination, relief from the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and an improved quality of life.
Each patient may respond differently to treatment, so it is essential that a urologist evaluate your case and recommend the most appropriate medication for you. This ensures a safe and effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Consult with our urologists at Andrología Málaga
If you have symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), contact the urologists at Andrología Málaga. We will offer you a personalized evaluation and treatment to care for your prostate health.