Is Tadalafil effective for urinary symptoms in patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

This study looked at using Tadalafil (Cialis) to treat urinary symptoms in men who have Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It concluded that tadalafil taken for a year could improve urinary symptoms in men who have BPH. 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can affect bladder function and have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments for BPH may include medication or surgery to remove excess prostate tissue. Medications for BPH often result in many side effects. BPH surgeries can lead to complications. 

Tadalafil is a type of drug which relaxes muscles of the urinary tract. It is usually prescribed for erectile dysfunction. It is also being researched for treating urinary symptoms in men who have BPH. Urinary symptoms can include affected release and storage of urine. It can also include over-activity of the bladder muscles. 

94 men who have BPH and urinary symptoms were included in the study. These men took 5mg tadalafil every day for 12 months. The men's ability to store and release urine was tested in month 3 and 12 of the study. Overactive bladder symptoms, prostate symptoms and quality of life was also assessed in month 3 and 12 of the study. 

Urinary symptoms had improved at 3 and 12 months. The level of improvement ranged from 31% to 42%. The patients ability to store and release urine had also improved. Over-activity of the bladder muscles improved. The over-activity decreased in approximately 30.6% of patients at 3 months and 44.9% of patients at 12 months. 4.8% of patients came off the treatment due to side effects. Side effects included: headache, erection problems, dizziness and not fully releasing urine while urinating. 

This study concluded that tadalafil can improve urinary symptoms in men who have BPH. 

The authors note that there was no comparator group used in this study. This may affect the study's results. 

If you are interested in learning more about tadalafil treatment, contact your doctor.