Home Conditions Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia — guide.

BPH = progressive enlargement of the prostate after the age of 50, with lower urinary tract symptoms: weak stream, nocturia, urgency.

Also known as: BPH enlarged prostate
4 recommended OTC drugs
8,296 pharmacies available

In short: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) means the gradual enlargement of the prostate after age 50, which narrows the urethra and causes lower urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, frequent nighttime urination and a sense of urgency. For mild-to-moderate discomfort, the OTC options are mainly plant-based supplements — Saw palmetto extract, Pygeum, nettle and zinc — whose prices you can compare on HartaFarmacii across Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet, with figures updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a urology consultation; seek medical care urgently if you become completely unable to urinate.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — adjuncts

What you can take alongside treatment

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to seek urgent medical help

Any of these signs calls for prompt medical evaluation:

  • Acute urinary retention — EMERGENCY
  • Hematuria
  • Elevated PSA
  • Recurrent urinary infections

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the progressive, non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that occurs with advancing age, under the influence of androgen hormones. The enlarged prostate compresses the urethra and the bladder neck, which leads to lower urinary tract symptoms. It is very common: over 50% of men aged 60 and up to 90% of those over 80 show histological changes of BPH. Important to remember: BPH is not cancer and does not turn into prostate cancer, although the two conditions can coexist.

Symptoms (LUTS)

Obstructive symptoms include a weak urinary stream, delayed onset of urination, the need to strain, an interrupted stream and a sensation of incomplete emptying. Irritative symptoms include increased urinary frequency, nighttime urination (nocturia) that disrupts sleep and urinary urgency. Over time, incomplete emptying favors urinary infections and the formation of bladder stones.

Diagnosis

The evaluation includes PSA testing, digital rectal examination, ultrasound with measurement of the post-void residual, uroflowmetry and completion of the IPSS score, which quantifies the severity of symptoms and the impact on quality of life.

Treatment

Lifestyle: fluid restriction in the evening, avoiding coffee and alcohol, complete emptying of the bladder, avoiding medications that worsen symptoms (decongestants, antihistamines).

Rx: alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) to relax the musculature, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride) to reduce prostate volume and combinations (Duodart).

Surgical: TURP (transurethral resection), laser techniques, Urolift — for severe symptoms or complications.

OTC and phytotherapy

  • Saw palmetto 320 mg/day — the most studied phytotherapeutic.
  • Pygeum africanum.
  • Nettle (root).
  • Zinc, selenium — general support of prostate function.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.

Compared medicines

Medicines used for benign prostatic hyperplasia

This list is indicative, generated automatically from DCI/category matching. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll see pharmacies sorted by distance with their opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. For overnight or weekend trips, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For benign prostatic hyperplasia some medicines need a prescription — make sure you have a valid one (electronic or paper) before you leave, to avoid wasted trips.

For chronic treatment, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and check prices on the comparator — OTC differences between chains can hit 20-40%, while CANAMED-capped Rx items have a fixed maximum but may carry promotions. If your treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia runs on a monthly script, schedule pickup a few days before you run out.

Left untreated

Possible complications

Frequently asked

What else would you like to know?

Is saw palmetto worth it?
Effect comparable to finasteride in some patients, but studies are mixed. Mild symptoms — worth trying for 3-6 months.
Finasteride — adverse effects?
Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, gynecomastia.
PSA — how often?
From the age of 50, annually or every 2 years.
Does BPH cause cancer?
No — BPH does not turn into cancer. They can coexist.

See also

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