How Can Alpha Blockers Help My Enlarged Prostate?

Are you struggling with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination or difficulty starting your urine stream? If so, you're not alone. 

Millions of men face this condition, especially as they get older. The good news is that with effective treatment, you can maintain a good quality of life. 

At Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California, our board-certified urologists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for men with prostate issues. We offer a range of treatments, including medications like alpha blockers, to help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. 

Keep reading to learn how alpha blockers can benefit you, and explore other treatment options available at our practice.

Understanding enlarged prostate

An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting many men as they get older. 

Your prostate gland, which surrounds your urethra, can grow larger over time, leading to uncomfortable urinary symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

While BPH isn’t cancerous, it can significantly affect your day-to-day life. You should seek medical advice to manage these symptoms effectively and prevent complications.

How alpha blockers help BPH symptoms

Alpha blockers are a type of medication commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. They work by blocking the alpha-1 receptors in the smooth muscles of your prostate and bladder neck. 

By blocking these receptors, the medication relaxes the muscle tissue, which can improve your urine flow and reduce the severity of your BPH symptoms. Another benefit of this therapy is that it’s noninvasive, offering improvement without surgical intervention.  

Some alpha blockers that we commonly prescribe for enlarged prostate include:

Tamsulosin (Flomax®)

Often used as a first-line treatment for BPH, tamsulosin is effective in relieving urinary symptoms with minimal side effects.

Alfuzosin (Uroxatral®)

Similar to tamsulosin, alfuzosin relaxes the muscles in your prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow.

Doxazosin (Cardura®)

This medication also treats high blood pressure, providing additional benefits for patients with both conditions.

Although alpha blockers are generally well-tolerated, some men experience side effects. These can include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nasal congestion
• Retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis)

If you notice any of these symptoms, discuss any concerns with us so we can help you manage side effects and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Other treatment options for BPH

In addition to alpha blockers, we offer a range of treatments for men with an enlarged prostate. 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health, we may recommend other medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

For example, other than alpha blockers, we may prescribe medications such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which help shrink the prostate and prevent further growth. 

We may recommend these medications alone or in combination with alpha blockers for more effective symptom relief.

And for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms who don’t respond well to medication, we may suggest minimally invasive procedures, like UroLift®. 

With UroLift, we place small implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from your urethra, improving urine flow without the need for cutting or removing prostate tissue.

For personalized BPH treatment recommendations, schedule a consultation with us at Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California.