Does Tamsulosin increase PSA values?

[Yearofthecow]

I have always been told that Tamsulosin will not significantly effect PSA values like 5-alpha reductase inhibitors do, such as Avodart and Proscar.

The reason for this is because the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce the prostate size, while alpha blocks relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to help improve urine flow.

However, searching through the internet, not surprisingly you will see contradictory information on the effect of Tamsulosin on PSA values.

and what makes this even more curious, on some forums posters attest that they have physicians contradicting each other on the effects of Tamsulosin on PSA, such as this:

"When talking about Tamsulosin my GP has twice now stated that it has an effect of lowering PSA. However my urologist surgeon maintains that it does not."

community.prostatecanceruk.....

I think it is probably wise to take information from the internet with a grain of salt that isn't backed by reputable sources substantiated by solid science.

I just thought it interesting that something even as well documented as the effects of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on PSA titers has a lot of misleading and false information presented on the internet.

Just to make things clear alpha blockers such as Tamsulosin do not have a significant effect on PSA values. It is the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that have significant effects on PSA values because they reduce the size of the prostate.