Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction: the best of both worlds.
OBJECTIVE
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are established as first-line therapy in erectile dysfunction. There is emerging evidence that they may have a role in treating patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from benign prostatic hypertrophy.


RESULTS
All three commonly used PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil) appear to improve LUTS as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score. However, to date, no change in urinary flow rates have been demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
Erectile dysfunction and LUTS frequently coexist in men of advancing age. There appears to be an emerging role for PDE-5 inhibitors as a treatment for both conditions. Further studies are required to elicit the exact mechanism of action in LUTS.
Wong
Peter
P
University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Lawrentschuk
Nathan
N
Bolton
Damien M
DM
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000503:physiopathology
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors