ABSTRACT
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in recent years has been characterized by a fall in the use of surgical procedures, mainly transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and a rise in the use of minimally invasive treatments and, particularly, medical therapy.1-3
Up to 90% of men in their eighties are estimated to suffer from BPH to some extent and prevalence of the disease is growing.4
Development of the associated symptomatology is androgen-dependent, and castration before or during puberty prevents its occurrence. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH occur due to increased sensitivity to circulating androgens in the prostate. Increased cell proliferation, mainly in the transition zone of the prostate, occurs alongside a rise in the smooth muscle tone of both the prostate and bladder neck. Symptoms of reduced urinary flow and urinary retention, increased urinary frequency, and nocturia are particularly common.5
