What is a common treatment for BPH associated with urge incontinence?

For managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with urge incontinence, anticholinergics serve as a common treatment option. These medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in bladder contraction. By inhibiting acetylcholine, anticholinergics help reduce bladder overactivity and improve urinary urgency and frequency, symptoms often exacerbated by BPH.

Patients with BPH frequently experience not only difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement but may also suffer from urge incontinence, which can lead to significant distress and impact quality of life. Thus, anticholinergics can effectively address the overactive bladder symptoms that can occur in this population.

The other treatment options mentioned have less relevance in this specific case. For example, beta-blockers are primarily used for managing cardiovascular conditions and do not have a direct impact on urinary symptoms related to BPH. Antihistamines can lead to urinary retention, which may worsen BPH symptoms rather than alleviate them. Diuretics, while useful for managing fluid retention and hypertension, can increase urinary frequency and urgency, potentially aggravating incontinence rather than addressing it.