Health Information
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
How Well It Works
Most men who use 5-alpha reductase inhibitors report about a 3-point decrease in their Reference American Urologic Association (AUA) symptom index. This change represents a noticeable improvement in symptoms.Reference 1
5-alpha reductase inhibitors also decrease the risk of complications, such as being unable to urinate (urinary retention). And they make it less likely that you will need surgery.Reference 2
It may take 6 to 12 months before you notice that your symptoms have improved.
Using a combination of an alpha-blocker with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor long-term may help your symptoms more than either medicine alone.Reference 3
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
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