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Benign prostatic hyperplasia and the effect of Flomax

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH for short) is better known as enlarged prostate and it is a condition that affects a large percentage of male population, especially as they get older. It has been estimated that by the age of 50, about 50% percent of men have some form of BPH, while this percentage increases to 75% by the age of 80. In about a half of these men, BPH has effects on the health that need to be addressed, it becomes clinically significant. The precise causes of BPH are still unknown although it has been established that the levels of testosterone hormone which reaches the prostate and its subsequent conversion to a potent hormone called dihydrotestosterone are a big contributor and the main cause of BPH.

When BPH occurs, the prostate gets enlarged and it starts compressing the urethral canal which leads the urine from the bladder which interferes with the flow of urine. This leads to many symptoms some of which are urinary retention, painful urination, frequent urination, urinary hesitance, nighttime urination. BPH also increases the risk of urinary tract infections and there is a very simple reason for this. As urine spends more and more time in the bladder, the levels of bacteria also increase, which logically increases the risk of contracting different infections. Another symptom of BPH that can cause further complications is urinary retention, especially if it becomes chronic. This leads to the formation of bladder stones and in severe cases, chronic urinary retention can even lead to renal failure, or impaired functioning of the kidneys. Therefore benign prostatic hyperplasia is no laughing matter and it needs to be treated with medications. One of the types of medications that can be employed in cases of BPH are alpha-blockers and Flomax is one of those medications.

Flomax does not cure BPH or cure it, as it is more of a treatment which alleviates the symptoms of BPH. The way in which Flomax works is by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, thus enabling a freer flow of urine, which results in many benefits for the patient suffering from BPH. Flomax is also used in helping the passage of bladder stones, by widening the passage and thus decreasing the friction between bladder canal or prostate and the stones themselves, thus alleviating the pain.

Further info on Flomax

Flomax can have an effect on the pupils when cataract surgery is conducted. If you are scheduled for cataract surgery, you should inform your surgeon about your Flomax treatment and they will tell you to cease using v for some time prior to your surgery. As Flomax can cause decrease in blood pressure, this may result in dizziness and lightheadedness. If this happens to you, refrain from driving or participating in any dangerous activities until these side effects are gone.