The effect of finasteride on the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical treatment among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Finasteride therapy may reduce the need for prostate surgery and the risk of acute urinary retention in men with enlarged prostate glands. Researchers treated 3,040 men for four years with finasteride or placebo, and monitored urinary symptoms, complications, and the need for surgical treatment. During the study, 10% of men taking the placebo required prostate surgery, compared to 5% of men taking finasteride. An inability to urinate developed in 7% of men taking the placebo and 3% of men taking the drug. Finasteride therapy caused the prostate to shrink and increased the flow of urine.