Managing enlarged prostate in primary care

• Published in: International journal of clinical practice (Esher) Vol. 60; no. 12; pp. 1609 - 1615
• Main Authors: NASLUND, M. J., COSTA, F. J., MINER, M. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2006; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists - therapeutic use; Aged; Algorithms; Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Biological and medical sciences; Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase - antagonists & inhibitors; diagnosis; Disease Progression; enlarged prostate; Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Family Practice - methods; General aspects; Humans; lower urinary tract symptoms; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; primary care; Prostatic Hyperplasia - diagnosis; Prostatic Hyperplasia - therapy; Referral and Consultation; Risk Factors; treatment; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; Urologic Diseases - etiology; Urologic Diseases - therapy; Urinary system disease; Prostate disease; Primary health care; enlarged prostate; Urinary tract disease; Medicine; Voiding dysfunction; Treatment; Benign prostatic hyperplasia; primary care; Benign neoplasm; Diagnosis; Male genital diseases; Lower urinary tract symptoms
• ISSN: 1368-5031; 1742-1241
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2006.01194.x

Summary Assessment and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, has evolved considerably in recent years; clear evidence has accumulated for the progression of disease over time, the association between disease progression and negative outcomes, and the potential for medical management of this condition. Commensurate with the long‐term preventive role of primary care, efforts can and should be made to treat the underlying condition of enlarged prostate as well as to manage the symptoms short‐term. This review outlines evaluation of men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, examines the challenges for medical treatment and suggests how treatment choice can address these challenges.