must BPH with little to no retention be treated?

[bigredog8]

I saw a urologist last week. He said that I have little or no urinary retention; it was little unclear to me (17cc). I do experience needing to go more than I should, and some urinary hesitancy, but that seems like more of a nuisance that something that has to be treated. Need it be treated at this stage or is keeping a watch on it enough?

[bigredog8]

Thanks for the response! Would I be likely to be risking my health if I don't get treated?

The urologist gave me some Rapaflo samples, but made it sound optional. At least that is how I interpreted it. Does that make any sense? I would seem like either I need it or I don't. Should I get a second opinion?

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

If the symptoms are minimal, then there’s no need of the medical treatment and watchful observation is all that is required, however, if the symptoms are disturbing, then medical treatment is required.

The medical treatment includes Alpha-blockers which make urination easier by relaxing the muscles where the bladder narrows towards the urethra. Anticholinergics are used to increase the bladder's capacity, inhibit involuntary contractions and delay the urge to urinate.

Another class of drugs such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (Finasteride) shrink the prostate gland by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone but may only cause noticeable improvements for men with significantly enlarged prostates and may take months to be effective.

Probably, in your case, alpha-blockers and anticholinergics will be sufficient.  

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.