Volume 11, Supplement 1Review ArticlesMedical Management of Lower Urinary Tract SymptomsAdvances in the Pharmacologic Treatment of BPHEric E LabordeKevin T McVaryLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common complaint among aging men and are often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A number of medical treatments for LUTS/BPH exist, such as α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, anticholinergics, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and combination therapies. Agonist binding of the α1A-adrenergic receptor (AR), causing prostatic smooth muscle contraction, has been attributed to cause some LUTS. Therefore, medical therapy has aimed to block the α1A-AR and improve LUTS. Determining which therapy to choose must take into account individual patient factors as well as cost and patient choice.[Rev Urol. 2009;11(suppl 1):S19–S25 doi: 10.3909/riu11S1S0004]© 2009 MedReviews®, LLCLower urinary tract symptomsPhosphodiesteraseCombination therapyBlockers5-reductase inhibitorsAnticholinergicsBenign prostatichyperplasia