Proscar

[mike]

I am over sixty and have already had one turp(before my accident) and my urologist tells me that my prostate is somewhat enlarged again. Based on what I have read on this site and also from some doctors, it is not wise to do a turp if you have a neurogenic bladder as that might set you up for incontinence.

I was talking with my urologist the other day and he suggested that I go on Proscar, which he said has shown in studies will reduce prostate size and is used frequently with men of my age. In addition he mentioned that studies have shown that using it will result in a lower incidence of prostate cancer.

My question is, does it make sense to go on this therapy? Will the reduction in the prostate size in this way possibly lead to incontinence in the same way that a turp would? And in weighing the risks am I better off taking a chance with incontinence to gain the benefit of a reduced risk of prostate cancer?

[SCI-Nurse]

Proscar may help reduce residual urine if you urinate, and may make catheterization easier if you do intermittent cath and have BPH. The data on reduction of prostate cancer risk is little more shakey.

(KLD)

[JGNI]

What problems do you have because of your enlarged prostate? PSA levels? I agree with KLD concerning the so so benefits (or even hazards) of using PROSCAR as a preventive measure against prostate cancer, not too sure I would take it for that ...

[mike]

JGNI. My problem is primarily residuals(about 150ccs). PSA is normal at this point at .70. My urologist specializes in oncology so I thought he might know something about this therapy relative to cancer prevention. After visiting this site enough times, you really have doubts about anything you hear or read.

[JGNI]

Your urologist is not wrong but as everyone else sometimes they go with expert consensus and for practical purposes they do not always give you the whole picture about what they suggest. Litterature is also not that easy to interpret and even experts will often disagree in private about what is best. Good luck and ask if you have any other specific questions.