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PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
To investigate the relationship, diagnosis and treatment of the overlapping
lower urinary tract symptoms experienced by men diagnosed with benign
prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.
RECENT FINDINGS:
Recent studies have clearly shown that men can suffer from both benign
prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. Approximately 5-20% of men diagnosed
with benign prostatic hyperplasia suffer from prostatitis-like symptoms,
while over one third of men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia have
had a diagnosis of prostatitis in the past. Differentiation between these
two symptom-based medical conditions can be difficult because of overlapping
symptoms, but pain clearly identifies those patients with chronic
prostatitis. Treatment for men with co-occurring benign prostatic
hyperplasia and prostatitis may include alpha-blockers, 5alpha-reductase
inhibitors and phytotherapies (saw palmetto and bee pollen extract), with
evidence clearly showing the benefits of alpha-blocker therapy.
SUMMARY:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis are a common cause of
lower urinary tract symptoms and frequently co-occur in older men. The best
treatment for men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with both
benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis is alpha-blockers.
Reference:
Curr Opin Urol. 2006 Jan;16(1):5-10. |