What’s an “Alpha-Blocker”?

There are many different forms of enlarged prostate gland therapy, ranging from microwaves, to lasers, to drugs. Although the best form of therapy must be left up to you and your doctor, drug therapy is a very viable option. Depending on the severity and location of the symptoms, the drugs can range from alpha-blockers, which smooth the muscles within the urethra and around the bladder neck, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which prohibit the production of DHT hormones known to increase prostate growth, or a combination of both these medications. If combined, the medications could be more effective, but the possibility of side effects does increase.