Side Effects of Treatments for BPH
There are various side effects of treatments for BPH. Treatments include drugs, minimally invasive medical procedures, and surgery.
Side effects of treatments for BPH - Alpha-blockers: Drugs in this class relax the muscles in the prostate and the neck of the bladder so that urine flows more easily. Side effects include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, headache, nasal congestion, and retrograde ejaculation (when the semen moves into the bladder during ejaculation instead of out of the urethra). Although alpha-blockers generally do not cause erectile dysfunction or low libido, these side effects have been reported in some cases. Read more on alpha-blockers
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These drugs can slow the growth of the prostate and may reduce its size by altering the actions of certain male hormones. Side effects associated with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include breast enlargement, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido. Read more
See also
BPH Drugs May Contribute to Sexual Dysfunction
BPH Drug Dutasteride (Avodart) and Prostate Cancer
Finasteride (Proscar) May Reduce Libido, Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Prostatectomy: Side effects associated with removal of the prostate gland are discussed fully in Side Effects of Prostatectomy and include erectile dysfunction and incontinence
PVP (photo-selective vaporization of the prostate). This procedure uses high-energy laser to vaporize excess prostatic tissue and heat seal the site simultaneously. The main side effect is blood in the urine.
Stent implantation. Placing a stent in the urethra can cause pain, infection, or growth of tissue over the stent. Read more
TUBD (transurethral balloon dilation) of the prostate. This procedure involves literally pushing the enlarged prostate way from the urethra. Side effects include temporary urinary incontinence, prostatitis, urinary retention, and hemorrhage.
TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate). This is a surgical procedure in which an electrical current or laser beam is delivered to the prostate tissue. Possible side effects include erectile dysfunction (4-25% of men), urinary incontinence (<1%), and retrograde ejaculation (6-55%). About 10 percent of men need a repeat TUIP in about 15 years. (Fitzpatrick 2007 – Side effects of treatments for BPH)
TUMT (transurethral microwave thermotherapy). This therapy combines heat and cold applied to the prostate to relieve BPH symptoms. Potential side effects include needing to urinate frequently, inflammation of the urethra, and light bloody discharge in the urine. Read more
TUNA (transurethral needle ablation). This procedure utilizes radio waves to “burn away” excessive prostate tissue. Side effects may include urinary retention (13-42% of patients), which usually resolves within 2 days; urethral strictures in about 2%; urinary irritation that usually resolves within 7 days; erectile dysfunction (less than 2%), and blood in the urine, which usually resolves within 2 days. Read more on TUNA
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). A surgical procedure in which an electrified loop slices away tissue blocking the urethra. Side effects include retrograde ejaculation (25-99% of men), erectile dysfunction (3-35%), and the need for repeat surgery in three years (2-3%). (Fitzpatrick 2007- Side effects of treatments for BPH) Read more on TURP
See also:
TVP (transurethral vaporization of the prostate). This variation of TURP has similar side effects. Read more on TVP
See also
Incontinence after Treatment for BPH
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