[Benign prostatic hyperplasia: patients' perception of medical treatment and their expectations. Results of a french survey involving patients treated with finasteride].

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is increasingly common in medical practice, as a result of the inevitable aging of the population. The current therapeutic strategy includes three alternatives: watchful waiting, medical treatment and invasive therapy. Finasteride is one of the pharmacological options available. Many clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and good safety profile in patients with BPH. The survey we report provides new insights into what has to date been a purely therapeutic approach by taking into consideration patients' expectations and their perception of finasteride treatment. Results indicate that the main preoccupation for patients with BPH is that the pharmacological treatment will reduce the risk of major urological complications and the need for surgery (treatment characteristics considered as very or extremely important by 88 and 93% of patients, respectively). Decreasing symptoms and improving quality of life take second place after these primary concerns. Patient perception of finasteride is excellent. Nearly all patients are satisfied by the efficacy of the treatment, 89% of them reporting good to extremely good improvement of symptoms, the rapid onset of relief being particularly important. The efficacy of finasteride is not hindered by any tolerability issues and is further strengthened by its ease of use. Although this novel survey includes a number of biases, it nevertheless demonstrates that treatment of BPH with finasteride is well accepted by patients and satisfies their expectations. In addition, it provides a mass of general epidemiological data on patients with BPH, as well as on current medical practice regarding this condition.