What are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors?

Having trouble passing urine is one of the most prevalent symptoms of BPH. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are a type of medication that helps reduce the size of your prostate by blocking the change of your body’s natural testosterone into a hormone called DHT.^1,2 DHT is a male hormone like testosterone that builds up in the prostate and can increase its size.^1,2 By blocking DHT, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can stall the growth of the prostate and eventually cause it to shrink.^1,2 This can help your urine to flow freely again and manage the symptoms of your enlarged prostate.^1,2

Types of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors 

There are two 5-alpha reductase inhibitors usually prescribed for the treatment of BPH.^1,2 Depending on your previous medical history and your specific symptoms, the doctor may prescribe one of these as a treatment for your BPH.³ The medications are: 

• Finasteride (Proscar®)⁵
• Dutasteride (Avodart®)⁶

These medications are usually prescribed to those patients who have a larger prostate volume (more than 30cc – it can be anywhere from the size of a Ping-Pong ball to a tennis ball).^3,4 It’s also important to note that it can take a while to feel the effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.^1,2 While they reduce the levels of the DHT hormone, it may take anywhere from three to six months to see an improvement in urine flow.^1,2

Other considerations and potential side effects 

A key thing to remember with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors is that it’s possible for your BPH symptoms to return if you stop taking these medications.¹ 
 
Another consideration is the potential side effects. As with any BPH treatment, these medications may also have certain side effects including: 

• Trouble getting or keeping an erection (impotence)^5,6
• Decrease in sex drive^5,6
• Decreased volume of ejaculate⁵
• Ejaculation disorders^5,6
• Breast disorders (painful or enlarged breasts)^5,6

Choose relief 

There are other medications which can be prescribed in combination with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as alpha blockers or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.³ Your doctor will decide if a single medication or a combination therapy is the best approach to manage your BPH. 
 
If medications do not work or if the potential side effects worry you, you can also speak with your doctor about minimally invasive treatment options. Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy treats the cause of BPH by removing prostate tissue, and provides lasting relief while preserving sexual function.⁷ And what’s more, it’s covered by Medicare and most private insurers.   
 
You can manage your BPH with medication, which you may need to take every day for the rest of your life. Or you can treat your BPH with one 10-minute procedure.⁷* 
 
Choose sustained BPH relief. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with all treatment options.

*Most men experience symptom relief as soon as 2 weeks after the Rezum treatment, and maximum improvement may occur within 3 months. Patient responses can and do vary.

Most patients report relatively minor discomfort during the procedure. Potential risks associated with Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy include but are not limited to painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, decrease in ejaculatory volume, urinary tract infection (UTI), inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder, and urgent need to urinate. During healing, symptoms may continue or worsen. Most men require a catheter for several days post-procedure.^7,8 A complete list of risk information can be found here.