Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction: the best of both worlds.

Abstract

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are established as first-line therapy in erectile dysfunction. There is emerging evidence that they may have a role in treating patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from benign prostatic hypertrophy.All three commonly used PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil) appear to improve LUTS as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score. However, to date, no change in urinary flow rates have been demonstrated.Erectile dysfunction and LUTS frequently coexist in men of advancing age. There appears to be an emerging role for PDE-5 inhibitors as a treatment for both conditions. Further studies are required to elicit the exact mechanism of action in LUTS.