Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects men over 50 and is characterized by prostate gland enlargement. Lower urinary tract symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia can be caused by BPH and significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.
Several medications, including alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, have been developed to treat BPH. In this article, we will look at the efficacy of tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, in treating BPH.
What exactly is Tadalafil?
Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that was originally designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). PDE5 is an enzyme that degrades cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule that relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels in the penis.
Tadalafil increases cGMP levels by inhibiting PDE5, resulting in improved erectile function.
PDE5 inhibitors, including tadalafil, were later discovered to have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscle in the prostate gland and bladder, which can alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.
Tadalafil comes in different forms, such as the brand-name drug Cialis, which is approved to treat both erectile dysfunction (ED) and enlarged prostate (BPH).
Tadalafil for the treatment of BPH
Tadalafil is a common erectile dysfunction medication that may have some potential benefits for sexual function in men with BPH. Several clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of tadalafil in the treatment of BPH.
After 12 weeks of treatment, tadalafil 5 mg daily was found to significantly improve urinary flow rate and reduce BPH symptoms in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 281 men with BPH, and the highest available dose is Tadalafil 20mg.
Some of the potential benefits of tadalafil for sexual function in BPH patients are as follows:
Improved Erectile Function: Tadalafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can help men with BPH who have ED improve their erectile function.
Several studies have shown that tadalafil improves the ability of men with BPH to achieve and maintain an erection, even those who have not responded well to other treatments.
Improved Urinary Symptoms: Tadalafil has also been shown to improve urinary symptoms in men suffering from BPH. This is due to the fact that tadalafil can help relax the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder, improving urine flow and reducing the frequency and urgency of urination.
Improved Sexual Satisfaction: Tadalafil has been shown to improve sexual satisfaction in men with BPH, in addition to improving erectile function and urinary symptoms. This is due to the fact that tadalafil can help improve sexual confidence and reduce anxiety associated with sexual performance.
It is important to note that tadalafil is not a cure for BPH and may not be effective for all men suffering from the condition. Before starting treatment, it is also important to talk to a healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits of tadalafil.
Conclusion
Tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor initially developed to treat ED, has been shown to improve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.
Tadalafil improves IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate, and quality of life in men with BPH, according to several clinical trials. It has also been found that Tadalafil is well tolerated and has a lower risk of sexual side effects than other medicines for erectile dysfunction.
