Proscar (finasteride) is an FDA approved drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Proscar works by preventing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from being created. DHT is made by converting testosterone and an increase in DHT causese prostate growth.. DHT is directly correlated to the development of BPH.

Men take Proscar to improve their BPH symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and also reduce the risk of cancer surgery. Proscar is given in combination with an alpha-blocker doxazosin. The dosage is one 5 mg capsule a day. Women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or want to become pregnant should avoid contact with the drug as it is absorbed through the skin and can cause adverse effects on a male fetus.

Proscar has shown no clinical benefit for the treatment of prostate cancer and should not be used for that purpose. Proscar is used to reduce PSA levels by 50% which helps against BPH. When taking Proscar to help with BPH it can take up to 6 months or more to see whether your symptoms improve. Even though the prostate may shrink you man not even notice an improvement in any urine flow issues.

While taking Proscar you will need to see a physician on a regular basis. Proscar may cause issues such as problems with ejaculation. Specifically a decrease in the amount of fluid released. In some cases these problems went away over time while continuing to take Proscar.