Male Reproductive Key Concepts

Question 1

What is BPH?

Answer 1

Enlargement of the prostate gland that causes difficulty with
urination. This is NOT malignant, hence the name Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Question 2

What are the two type classifications of medications that are useful in the treatment of
BPH? (Identify examples of each type of class)

Answer 2

Alpha-blocker 1st line – “zosin” family (terazosin, etc.) desired effect: relax the neck of the bladder aiding in easier urination/less retention and stronger stream.
Anabolic inhibitors – example finasteride desired outcome slow the growth of the tissue resulting in reduced symptoms. (MORE ADRs) IMPOTENCY/DECREASED LIBIDO, NO GO AROUND PREGNANT WOMEN – can cause fetal abnormalities in male fetus.

Question 3

What is the biggest side effects of alpha blockers used in the treatment of BPH?

Answer 3

Orthostatic hypotension! Teach them to change position slowly and keep them safe.

Question 4

How do erectile dysfunction medications work?

Answer 4

Vasodilation → “fill the penis with blood”

Question 5

List some examples of ED medications by both the “family name” and specific examples.

Answer 5

“afil” family Examples: sildenafil, tadalafil, etc

Question 6

What medication do you not want to give to a patient who has taken ED medications?
WHY?

Answer 6

Other vasodilators ESPECIALLY NITRATES … “as this may cause an
unsafe drop in blood pressure.”

Question 7

What are some side effects of testosterone? How would they potentially affect the
cardiovascular system or worsen heart disease?

Answer 7

Acne, fatigue, dyslipidemia, increased
risk of CV disease, mood swings, male pattern baldness. The dyslipidemia increases
the risk of coronary artery disease which can make worse existing CV disease or
even cause new CV disease. The risk of having a MI is increased in individuals who
use testosterone or anabolic steroids