[Use of alpha1-adrenergic blockaders in voiding disorders in women]

Alpha-adrenoblockers are commonly used to treat LUTS suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men. It is well known that they do not modify natural history of the disease but only relax the smooth muscle. Several investigations confirmed the presence of alpha 1-AR in the spinal cord, bladder neck, urethra and periurethral tissue in women (so-called female prostate). So, "prostatism-like" symptoms seem to be not gender-specific. Therefore, alpha-adrenoblockers may be used in the treatment of urinary disorders in women. 32 women (mean age 26.5 years, range 18-65) with functional BOO took a terazosin course after clinical and urodynamic examinations. The patients were divided into three groups: detrusor sphincter dyssinergia, primary bladder outlet obstruction and learned voiding dysfunction (dysfunctional voiding). Patients with urethral stricture, pelvic organ prolapse, bacteriuria were excluded. The initial dose was 1 mg/day, then it was increased to 5 mg/day. The treatment course lasted 2 months. Patients recorded the time and volume of every void three days before treatment and last three days of drug therapy. All the patients were satisfied with the results of the treatment. We noticed an increase in the maximal flow rate (55.4%), a decrease of delay time (48.9%) and nocturia (52.9%).

Specific agents, such as alpha-adrenoblockers, in low dosage may be effective in women with urinary tract disorders in case of careful and comprehensive evaluation of functional BOO.