Table of Contents

I. The Function of the Prostate

II. What is BPH?

III. Common Treatment Options for BPH

IV. Cialis for BPH

V. FAQ: How Do I Know If Cialis Is the Right Option for My Enlarged Prostate Symptoms?

The Function of the Prostate

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It sits just below the bladder, and the urethra passes through it. One of the prostate’s main jobs is to produce fluid that combines with sperm and fluids from other glands to make semen. Muscles in the prostate also contract during ejaculation to help push this fluid into the urethra. Prostate fluid supports normal sperm function and plays a role in male fertility. [1]

The prostate goes through a second period of growth that begins around age 25 and continues throughout life. Some men may experience benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine. [2]

You may be experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate if you have:

• Difficulty starting the flow of urine
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate
• A need to urinate frequently during the night
• Pain or discomfort while urinating [2]

But what is the connection between an enlarged prostate and erectile dysfunction? Men with BPH may also experience erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation, although BPH itself is not necessarily the cause. Some treatments for BPH can also affect sexual function. [3] Fortunately, Cialis is used to treat both erectile dysfunction and BPH. [4] Read on to learn more about how Cialis works for an enlarged prostate.

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous condition that causes the prostate gland to grow larger than normal. BPH becomes more common with age and is the most common prostate problem in men over 50. Experts estimate that it affects about 5% to 6% of men ages 40 to 64 and 29% to 33% of men ages 65 and older. The exact cause is unknown, but age-related changes in hormone levels may play a role. [2]

As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra and make it harder for the bladder to empty. In some men, the bladder may eventually become unable to empty completely, causing urinary retention. Other possible complications include urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, bladder stones, and kidney disease. [2]

If BPH symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. A healthcare professional may review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. This may include a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate, along with tests such as a urinalysis, urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, or ultrasound when needed. [2]

Common Treatment Options for BPH

Your doctor will usually consider how severe your symptoms are and how much they affect your quality of life before recommending treatment. Options can include watchful waiting, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. [2]

• Surgery: Surgery may be considered if medications do not help, your symptoms are severe or bothersome, or you develop complications from BPH. Surgical treatments remove part or all of the prostate to relieve symptoms and help urine flow more easily.

• Watch and wait: If your prostate is only slightly enlarged and your symptoms are not affecting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting, also called active surveillance. You may still have regular checkups, and lifestyle changes such as limiting fluids before bedtime, reducing alcohol and caffeine, staying physically active, and emptying your bladder completely may help control symptoms.

• Alpha-blockers: These medications relax the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, making it easier to urinate. Alpha-blockers are one of several medication options that may be used to relieve BPH symptoms. [2]

Cialis for BPH

Cialis is known as an erectile dysfunction treatment, but it is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. For BPH, the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily, taken at approximately the same time each day.

Cialis works for ED by increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP, which helps relax smooth muscle and increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Its exact action on BPH is not fully understood, but Cialis also affects cGMP in the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder. This may relax these muscles, improve blood flow, and help relieve BPH symptoms. [4]

Cialis for BPH is available by prescription, and you can fill your prescription online through a Canadian pharmacy like Canada Drug Warehouse. Cialis for BPH is typically taken once daily, whereas Cialis can also be taken as needed for erectile dysfunction symptoms. Talk to your doctor to learn more about whether Cialis may be an appropriate treatment for your BPH symptoms.

FAQ: How Do I Know If Cialis Is the Right Option for My Enlarged Prostate Symptoms?

Cialis may be an option if you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and symptoms such as trouble starting urination, a weak or interrupted stream, frequent or urgent urination, waking often at night to urinate, or pain while urinating. BPH can also be linked with sexual symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, and Cialis is used to treat both erectile dysfunction and BPH.

Before starting Cialis, your doctor should review how severe your symptoms are, how much they affect your quality of life, and whether you need testing or another treatment option. For BPH, Cialis is typically taken as a 5 mg dose once daily at about the same time each day. This is different from as-needed tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, so follow your doctor’s instructions for the exact dose and schedule.

Before asking about Cialis for BPH:

1. Write down your urinary symptoms and how often they happen.
2. Tell your doctor if symptoms are affecting sleep, daily activities, or quality of life.
3. Mention any erectile dysfunction or ejaculation concerns.
4. Ask whether you need a prostate exam, urine test, ultrasound, or other evaluation.
5. Ask how long you should try Cialis before judging whether it is helping.
6. Ask whether lifestyle changes, watchful waiting, alpha-blockers, or another option may be better for your situation.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.