Male attitudes about BPH
The majority of your patients are not likely to bring up their BPH symptoms even if they are bothersome. Men often cope with urinary symptoms because they mistakenly believe it is a normal part of the aging process.1,2 In addition, many are simply uncomfortable discussing their urination habits because they find it embarrassing and or consider it inappropriate. Some patients may be in denial that they are experiencing symptoms at all. In addition, fear of surgery appears to prevent many patients from pursuing evaluation, as does fear of prostate cancer.3,4
Let your patients know that you understand this can be an embarrassing topic, and help make them comfortable talking about urinary symptoms. Here are some considerations that may enhance your screening, identification and management of BPH:
- All of your male patients can benefit from education about BPH, causes and symptoms before it presents
- Effective, well-tolerated and well-studied therapies are available now
- Left untreated, BPH can lead to complications in the long term5
Talking to Partners
Since men may often be unwilling to discuss symptoms, it can also be beneficial to educate their partners about the causes and symptoms of BPH. In fact, research reveals that a man's partner may be more willing to discuss BPH since it's not as embarrassing for them to bring it up. Once partners learn of the availability of treatment and the threat of complications from untreated BPH, they can help to persuade male patients of the need for treatment.
Important Safety Information
FLOMAX is indicated to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). FLOMAX is not indicated to treat hypertension. As with other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, there is a potential risk of syncope. Patients beginning treatment with FLOMAX should be cautioned to avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after their first dose or increase in dose should syncope occur. The most common side effects are dizziness, abnormal ejaculation, and rhinitis.
Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and FLOMAX. In addition, FLOMAX should be used with caution in combination with cimetidine, particularly at doses higher than 0.4 mg. FLOMAX is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin HCl or any component of FLOMAX.
Before prescribing FLOMAX, please see the full Prescribing Information.
1. Daly MP. Quality of life in sexually active men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clin Drug Invest. 2005;25:219-230.
2. Garraway WM, Russell EBAW, Lee RJ, et al. Impact of previously unrecognized benign prostatic hyperplasia on the daily activities of
middle-aged and elderly men. Br J Gen Pract. 1993;43:318-321.
3. Walsh PC. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Walsh PC, ed. Campbells' Urology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1996:1009-1027.
4. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Sexual function after surgery. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/ Accessed June 9, 2005.
5. Kirby RS. The natural history of benign prostatic hyperplasia: what have we learned in the last decade? Urology. 2000;56(suppl 5A):3-6.
6. Shvartzman P, Borkan JM, Stoliar L, et al. Second-hand prostatism: effects of prostatic symptoms on spouses' quality of life, daily routines and family
