Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: The prostate gland is located
around
the tube which empties urine from the bladder (urethra). As the
prostate
gland enlarges, usually after 50 years of age, it can obstruct
or
partially block the urine flow. This leads to symptoms which include dribbling of urine, narrow stream, problems
starting urine
flow, interruption while urinating, and a feeling of incomplete
emptying.
Other symptoms include wetting and staining of clothes, urinary
burning,
and urgency.
Prostate gland enlargement
(benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), is directly dependent on DHT (a
hormone
converted from the male hormone testosterone). Finasteride
inhibits the
enzyme necessary for the conversion of testosterone to DHT in
the
prostate. Therefore, administration of finasteride lowers
blood and
tissue DHT levels and helps reduce the size of the prostate gland.
Although reductions in the size of the prostate gland
can occur in virtually all the patients who take finasteride,
only 50% will
experience improvement in the symptoms of BPH.
Patients
generally respond to finasteride in several weeks, but it often
takes 6
months for the patient to receive the full effect of the drug.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablet (5mg).
STORAGE: Finasteride should be stored at room
temperature in a
tight light resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Finasteride is used to treat symptoms
of BPH. Finasteride is approved for use with the alpha-blocker,
doxazosin, to reduce the progression of symptoms of BPH.
DOSING: Finasteride is metabolized mainly by the liver,
and
caution should be used in patients with liver dysfunction.
Finasteride may
be taken with or without food.
PREGNANCY: Finasteride causes abnormal development of the sexual organs of the male fetus. Therefore,
women who are pregnant or are
likely to be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets in order to prevent absorption through the skin.
NURSING MOTHERS: Finasteride is not prescribed for women.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects are rare but can include
impotence
and decreased sex drive. Finasteride should not be used by
women,
children, or male partners of women trying to become pregnant.
Finasteride
should not be used until a thorough prostate examination has
been done to
exclude cancer, stricture, or infection in the gland.
Rarely, cases of male breast cancer have been reported.
Prostatitis is a painful condition of the prostate gland. There are four types of prostatitis, acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Diagnosis is made with a digital rectal exam, urinalysis, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, or blood test. Treatment depends upon the type of prostatitis.
Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancers, and most cases are found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. A man's risk of developing breast cancer is one in 1,000. Signs and symptoms include a firm mass located below the nipple and skin changes around the nipple, including puckering, redness or scaling, retraction and ulceration of the nipple. Treatment depends upon staging and the health of the patient.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. Treatment may involve watchful waiting, medication, or surgery.
There are many types of urinary incontinence (UI), which is the accidental leakage of urine. These types include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence in men may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Treatment depends upon the type and severity of the UI and the patient's lifestyle.
Urinary retention (inability to urinate) may be caused by nerve disease, spinal cord injury, prostate enlargement, infection, surgery, medication, bladder stone, constipation, cystocele, rectocele, or urethral stricture. Symptoms include discomfort and pain. Treatment depends upon the cause of urinary retention.
Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.
*Urinary incontinence (UI) in men facts Medically Edited by:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
The definition of urinary incontinence in men is the unintentional loss of urine. Weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder muscles, certain prostate conditions, and nerve damage are just some of the possible underlying causes of urinary incontinence in men.
There are different types of urinary incontinence in men, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence.
Diagnosis of urinary incontinence in men may involve a physical exam, an ultrasound, urodynamic testing, and tests including an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electromyogram (EMG). The doctor will also take a medical history and may recommend keeping a bladder diary.
Treatment of urinary incontinence in men may include behavioral treatments, like bladder training and Kegel exercises, medication, surgery, or...
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