The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

    February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”
    Joseph R. McConnell, Reginald C. Bruskewitz, PH Walsh, Gerald L. Andriole, Michael M. Lieber, H. Logan Holtgrewe, Peter C. Albertsen, Claus G. Roehrborn, J. Curtis Nickel, Dayong Wang, A. J. Taylor, Joanne Waldstreicher
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    TLDR Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
    Finasteride is an effective treatment for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), reducing the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical treatment by 57% and 55%, respectively, according to a study involving 3040 men with moderate-to-severe urinary symptoms and enlarged prostate glands who were treated with either finasteride or a placebo for four years. However, some men may discontinue its use due to side effects or lack of effectiveness. Finasteride also improves symptoms, decreases prostate volume, and improves urinary flow rate.
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