Current Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The document reviewed the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as of 1995, highlighting that transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the gold standard but left 20% of patients unsatisfied. Medical treatments included alpha-blockers, which improved symptoms but did not reduce prostate size, and finasteride, which reduced prostate volume and improved symptoms but could cause decreased libido and impotence. Studies involving 1,645 patients showed finasteride's sustained benefits over 24 months, with ongoing research into combining therapies as alternatives to surgery.