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Cialis for BPH: What You Should Know

Posted on September 15, 2024

Do you wake up at night with an urgent need to urinate? We understand how frustrating it is to have constant interruptions and discomfort from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

We are here to help you find relief and reclaim your peace. With our deep expertise in managing BPH symptoms, we offer solutions that truly work, such as Cialis for BPH.

Cialis is an oral medication that helps relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the penis, prostate, and bladder, allowing urine to flow more freely.

Next, we explore Cialis treatment for BPH, its impact on urinary and sexual health, and potential side effects.

Medications for mens erectile dysfunction

Understanding BPH

BPH is characterized by an enlarged prostate, which can range in severity. It is usually caused by natural aging and hormonal changes, but other BPH causes include cell growth, inflammation, and lifestyle or neurological factors.

Some men experience mild BPH symptoms that are easily managed with lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Modifying your diet.
  • Managing your fluid intake.
  • Following a set urination schedule.

For others, further medical intervention is necessary for symptom relief. Talk to your healthcare provider, as they may recommend medications, like Cialis that may offer relief.

Cialis for BPH

Cialis (generic name tadafil) was originally developed to help men living with erectile dysfunction.

However, it was FDA-approved in 2011 for BPH treatment after studies1 revealed a once-daily Cialis for BPH dosage helped relieve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) when given over a 12-week period.

Researchers tested several Cialis daily dosage levels, including 5, 10, and 20mg. They concluded that a low dose of Cialis for BPH (a 5 mg daily) delivered maximum relief with minimal side effects.

Cialis Impact on Urinary Symptoms

Cialis works by increasing levels of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) in the body—a key player in the bodily processes (e.g.,  blood flow to the penis and muscle relaxation in the prostate and bladder) crucial for treating BPH.

Initially developed to enhance sexual function, studies2 have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving urine flow by promoting prostate relaxation.

Additionally, Cialis reduces nighttime urination frequency, offering daily relief from symptoms.

What is the best time of day to take Cialis for BPH? Taking Cialis once daily can significantly alleviate symptom burden. While you can take this medication any time of day, you should try to take it at the same time every day.

Cialis Impact on Sexual Function

Cialis enhances the release of a key chemical during sexual arousal, increasing blood flow to the penis. This helps you achieve and sustain an erection, facilitating sexual intercourse. Its effects can last for 36 hours after taking the medication, offering greater spontaneity in sexual activity for many men.

Potential Side Effects of Cialis

For most men, Cialis causes only mild side effects, including:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Back and muscle pain
  • Stuffy nose
  • Facial flushing

However, it can also cause a sudden and potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure. Therefore, men taking nitrates or other blood-pressure-lowering medications should not take Cialis.

Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Post-Treatment

Cialis can improve your quality of life by relieving the painful, frustrating, and uncomfortable urinary symptoms of BPH.

However, if you cannot take Cialis for BPH, or it doesn’t provide sufficient relief, you still have non-surgical options.

At Georgia Prostate Institute, our interventional radiologists offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure that helps alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. PAE avoids large incisions and general anesthesia, reducing the risks and recovery time of traditional prostate surgery.

Are you interested in PAE treatment? Request a consultation with our prostate specialists in Georgia today to explore your options.

References:

  1. Claus G. Roehrborn, Kevin T. mcVary, Albert Elion-Mboussa, and Lars Viktrup. 2008, October 1). Tadalafil Administered One Daily for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Dose Finding Study. https://www.auajournals.org/article/S0022-5347(08)01715-1/fulltext

  2. Konstantinos Hatzimouratidis. (2014, August). A review of the use of tadalafil in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with and without erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054509/
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