If you’ve researched BPH treatment, you may have found that Cialis, known generically as Tadalafil, is approved as a daily BPH pill and a treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. This stands to reason, as PDE-5 inhibitors relax the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and those of other structures, including bladder and prostate muscles. A low dose of 5 mg daily may be helpful in both addressing BPH as well as creating a foundational level for exile dysfunction.
But Is This the Best Way to Approach either Concern?
Cialis/Tadalafil has relatively few side effects when taken appropriately and in qualified patients under the supervision of a urologist. But does such a low dose significantly benefit patients with BPH and ED?
First, when we talk about BPH, it depends on the degree to which symptoms are bothersome. BPH causes a spectrum of symptoms and severity; the obstruction may only cause mild discomfort or lifestyle changes for some. For others, the disruption may be significant. Low-dose Cialis/Tadalafil can be effective for mild cases of BPH but is unlikely to be effective once the BPH has worsened. Remember that BPH is a progressive condition, meaning that prostatic tissue continues to grow regardless of treatment. As such, medication will likely be ineffective at some point in the future.
That said, there are excellent procedural BPH treatment options, even for relatively smaller or alternately very large prostates. Speak to Dr. Natale to understand what treatment option(s) makes sense for your degree of obstruction.
When it comes to erectile dysfunction, the effectiveness of low-dose Cialis/Tadalafil also depends on the degree to which ED is worsening. Mild forms of erectile dysfunction can typically be treated quite effectively, even with a low dose. As a point of reference, the maximum dose of Cialis/Tadalafil is 20 mg, so this daily maintenance dose is about a quarter of that. Once again, ED is likely to progress to a point where medication is no longer working, or at least the dose needs to be increased. Once again, speaking to your urologist about what is best for your circumstances is important.
The Bottom Line
Cialis/Tadalafil is approved and effective as a low-dose daily pill for BPH and a safe and effective option for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. For patients with a mild form of either condition, this low dose may work just fine, at least for a while. However, as these diseases progress, it’s important to remember that there are effective next-step options, including increased medication dosages and procedural interventions.
Most importantly, patients should not wait longer than necessary to get treatment for either one of these conditions; treatments are typically very effective and minimally invasive. Further, we feel it’s important to stress that patients should not live in a state of compromise, mainly when so many good options exist. Contact our office to learn more about treatment for BPH, ED, or both, and we will be happy to offer advice on the best choice for you.
