Erectile dysfunction drug also may ease BPH symptoms

A study by Northwestern University Medical School researchers, reported in April 2007, provides further evidence that erectile dysfunction drugs may also alleviate urinary symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The study involved 281 men who were randomly assigned to take low doses of tadalafil (Cialis) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The researchers found that the men who took tadalafil, starting at 5 mg daily for six weeks, then increasing the dose to 20 mg daily for another six weeks, experienced significant improvement in urinary and other symptoms of BPH.

Studies of other erectile dysfunction drugs have also had promising results, although further research is needed. But if you are interested in exploring this option for BPH treatment, talk with your doctor.

Source: McVary KT, Roehrborn CG, Kaminetsky JC, et al. Tadalafil Relieves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Journal of Urology 2007;177:1401–7. PMID: 17382741.