BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA - USE OF DRUG-THERAPY IN PRIMARY-CARE

Age and normal male androgenic function are the two most well-establis hed risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical manifestat ions of BPH may range from minimally bothersome symptoms to urinary re tention and renal failure. Digital rectal examination, serum PSA, urin alysis, serum creatinine, and the AUA symptom score are recommended fo r the initial evaluation. For mild symptoms, watchful waiting may be a ll that is needed. For severe symptoms, surgical therapy is the most a ppropriate option. For melt with mild to moderate symptoms, less invas ive procedures and several pharmacologic therapies have proved to be e ffective for treating BPH. The pharmacologic therapies include a Scr-r eductase inhibitor (finasteride) and three selective alpha-1 blockers (terazosin, doxasozin, and tamsulosin).