Medications for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) come in two main forms: anti-androgens, which inhibits male hormones, and alpha-blockers, which relax muscles and open blood vessels. Both types are commonly prescribed, often together, but each has differences in side effects. The anti-androgens typically cause side effects typical of hormone altering drugs, such as increased (or decreased?) cancer risk, and sexual dysfunction. Alpha-blockers generally cause more benign problems, like headaches and drowsiness.

Of the anti-androgens, finasteride is one of the most popular ones. At first there was concern that it might increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but on further investigation it may actually lower it. Because it causes prostate shrinkage, it may actually make it easier for the urologist to be able to differentiate tumor cells. However, it may also result in diminished sex drive, and can cause birth defects if pregnant women handle the raw medication, which can be absorbed through the skin.

Another anti-androgen is dutasteride, which has a similar side-effect profile as finasteride: diminished libido and possibly unclear effects on prostate cancer risk.

For alpha-blockers, there is Flomax. Flomax can cause sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness, and possibly retrograde ejaculation as well, where semen is forced into the bladder instead of ejected through the urethra. Another example of an alpha-blocker is Silodosin, which may also double as a male birth control drug as it has the effect of stopping ejaculation but not orgasm.

As for herbal alternatives, saw palmetto extract is the most popular one for BPH. The saw palmetto is a small palm native to the Southeast United States, and has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for urinary problems. Some studies on this supplement as a BPH medication have been promising, but others have not been able to find an effect. There are few side effects associated with its use, so it might make for a good personal experimental medication.

Listed above are the main medications for BPH. While these often work for many people, with others they are ineffective and other treatment options must be sought, such as surgery.