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BPH Risk Factors
There are four known risk factors that may predispose a man to develop benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as enlarged prostate:
- Aging – The primary BPH risk factor. While men younger than 40 are rarely
affected, approximately half of men in their 60s experience some symptoms of BPH.
- Heredity – A family history of BPH may increase your risk of developing an
enlarged prostate.
- Marital status – It is not known why, but men who are married are more likely
to develop BPH.
- Nationality – BPH is more common in American and European men than in Asian
men.
Potential Causes of BPH, or Enlarged Prostate
Additionally, there are four theories as to what may cause BPH:
- BPH does not occur in men who had their testes removed before puberty. It is believed
that BPH may be triggered by factors related to the aging of the testes.
- Healthy males produce testosterone (a male hormone) and a small amount of estrogen
(a female hormone). As men age, they naturally produce less testosterone, which
changes the balance in the body between the two hormones. Some animal studies suggest
that a higher proportion of estrogen may increase the activity of other substances
within the body that promote BPH.
- Males naturally turn testosterone into a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Research shows that older men continue to produce large amounts of DHT. DHT may
promote enlargement of the prostate.
- Some scientists believe that certain cells in the prostate are programmed to "reawaken"
later in life. As these cells begin to multiply and become more active, they may
trigger growth in other cells found in the prostate.
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Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal
drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment.
This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate
machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect
you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure
or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of
low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood
pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that
you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for
a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a
treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract
infection, headache, and tiredness.
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