Improving lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases to affect older men. Histological disease is present in more than 60% of men beyond their sixties, and more than 40% of men in this age group have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The prevalence increases with age. About one-fifth of patients with symptomatic disease who present to a doctor will eventually be treated surgically. The remainder will often be managed initially by active surveillance. The majority of these men suffer gradual progression of symptoms and increasingly require treatment. BPH is characterised by a spectrum of obstructive and irritative symptoms, known collectively as LUTS. Poor urinary flow and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying are the two symptoms that correlate most closely with the eventual need for prostate surgery. Untreated, a significant number of men with BPH will eventually develop acute urinary retention. In addition tosymptom assessment, digital rectal examination can provide an estimate of prostate volume and exclude a palpable nodule suggestive of prostate cancer. PSA testing provides additional information about the risk of prostate cancer being present. Medical management of BPH is suitable for most patients with moderate symptoms. The two main evidence-based approaches are treatment with alpha1-blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARLs). Severely symptomatic patients may also respond to these drugs. Mild symptoms should usually be managed by active surveillance. Combination therapy with an alpha1-blocker and a 5-ARI is more effective than monotherapy in terms of symptom relief and prevention of progression.