Proscar (Finasteride) Medication for Enlarged Prostate and Urinary Problems: What You Need to Know

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4044.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  

We offer affordable prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.


Finasteride (Proscar) is an Effective Treatment for BPH Symptoms

Proscar, generically known as finasteride, shrinks the prostate by as much as 50%, which helps to improve urinary symptoms in men.  The benefits of Proscar are not immediate.  It takes 3-6 months to see the benefits of using finasteride.  In addition to shrinking the prostate, finasteride also decreases the rate of growth of the prostate.  It is also used at a smaller dose for the prevention of hair loss in men.

Proscar Works Best in Combination with Alpha-Blockers  to Improve Slow Urine Stream

Finasteride (Proscar) is effective in improving urinary flow. It can help men to wake up less at night to urinate.  When used in combination with medication such as Flomax or Uroxatral, the effectiveness of using 2 medications together is greater than using either one alone.

Where to Get Treatment for a Large Prostate in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer specialized treatment for enlarged prostate for men.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4044 or make an appointment online.  

We perform a cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, prostate and bladder ultrasound in our office.  We offer Urolift procedure, Rezum water-vapor procedure in our office, and laser enucleation of the prostate in a hospital setting.  We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance.  We offer free insurance verification.

Cost of Finasteride (Proscar) Pills

Proscar or generic finasteride is fairly inexpensive with a monthly cost of less than $20-$30.  Buying medications at a neighborhood pharmacy or pharmacies at Costco or Walmart is usually much less expensive than buying them at CVS or Rite-Aid.

Proscar (finasteride) Side Effects and What to Do If You Get Them

Side effects of finasteride are not common.  Most men take them without any noticeable side effects.  Taking finasteride for a prolonged period of time can lead to gynecomastia or increased breast size.  Some men taking Proscar experience problems with sexual interest (libido) and erections.  Typically, there is a decrease in ejaculate volume;  patients planning to have children should not be using finasteride. 

Medications such as finasteride have been implicated in what is called a post-finasteride syndrome, which can result in depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, typically in younger males taking finasteride for hair loss.

Alternatives to Finasteride: Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate

If someone cannot tolerate finasteride, Avodart is a similar medication within the same class of alpha-reductase inhibitors that can be used as an alternative to finasteride.

Medications such as Flomax and Uroxatral (alfuzosin) can be used as an alternative to Proscar or in addition to Proscar with treating symptoms of enlarged prostate and BPH such as frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and slow urine stream.

Treatment Options if Proscar (Finasteride) Does Not Help

Most commonly, finasteride is used when alpha-blockers are not helpful or cannot be tolerated.  Finasteride is also used in addition to alpha-blockers to maximize the benefit of medical treatment.

When finasteride in combination with Flomax does not provide sufficient relief of symptoms of an enlarged prostate, other options should be considered.  Depending on patient anatomy and severity of symptoms, either an office procedure such as the Urolift procedure for enlarged prostate or Rezum in-office procedure can be performed. 

For very large prostate or severe symptoms such as urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying, laser enucleation of the prostate, Greenlight laser, and Bipolar TURP can be performed.

PSA and Finasteride: What You Must Know

Medications such as finasteride (Proscar) and Avodart can lower the level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) but is much as 50%.  It takes about 3-6 months to get the full effect on PSA lowering.  The effect on PSA is an artificial effect, and typically we double the PSA to account for the use of medications such as finasteride and Avodart (dutasteride).

Because PSA levels are used to predict men who are at risk for prostate cancer, it is important to let your doctor know that you are taking or have been taking finasteride or dutasteride recently.

Did you know? Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 surgeries and procedures for enlarged prostate, including Rezum, Urolift, prostate enucleation, laser ablation of the prostate, and TURP.  He performs over 100 prostate procedures a year.

Cost of Enlarged Prostate Treatment without Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer a flat-fee ‘all-cost-included’ Rezum procedure.  The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment.  Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer a flat-fee ‘all-cost-included’ Urolift procedure.  The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment. 

Cost of Treatment and Insurance

Inexpensive Urologist Visit CostAt New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Read Real Stories of Men who Underwent Treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BPH) at New York Urology Specialists

We offer treatment for prostate problems, including slow urine stream, frequent urination at night, difficulty emptying the bladder, and other problems to patients within driving distance to our offices as well as from other states and countries.  Our patients come from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and over 70 countries worldwide.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Enlarged Prostate Problems?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of frequent urination, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, and bladder pain using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and open surgery.
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate in men.
  • We offer treatment options for enlarged prostate, overactive bladder, UTI, and urinary incontinence in our office, which avoids the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • Extensive experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully using medical therapy, surgery, and minimally invasive procedures such as Urolift procedure, Rezum surgery, Botox for overactive bladder, Interstim for frequent urination, and tibial neuromodulation.  
  • We also offer laser surgery for BPH (Holmium, Thulium, Evolve, Greenlight lasers), Bipolar TURP, traditional TURP, open suprapubic prostatectomy, robotic suprapubic prostatectomy for BPH.
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking BPH treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

What do Prostate Problems Look Like?

You can find images of uroflow as well as before and after treatment images in our image gallery.

Scheduling Appointments for Enlarged Prostate Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4044.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.


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Urinary Problems Are Treatable in Nearly Every Man and Woman

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At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of urinary problems caused by enlarged prostate and BPH in men.  We understand the challenges that urinary problems such as a slow stream, waking up at night, pain in the penis and perineum create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for your urinary problems that fit your needs, lifestyle, and your preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with symptoms caused by prostate enlargement, including frequent urination, poor urine flow, frequent UTI, blood in urine, urinary incontinence, urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, prior surgery, neuropathy, chemotherapy, and radiation. By virtue of our experience and skill, we can offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and woman who desire an effective treatment for their urinary problems.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for men’s prostate problems.

We specialize in minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for symptoms of bladder pain, urethral burning, pelvic discomfort, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, and urgency.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex Men’s Health Problems Including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4044 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of urinary problems in men.  He uses modern, effective, and proven treatment methods, including Botox for OAB, Interstim neuromodulation, Rezum for BPH, prostate enucleation for enlarged prostate, and Urolift procedure.  

He has successfully treated hundreds of men with BPH with symptoms of frequent urination during the day and excessive urination at night.

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4044.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.