I have been taking tamsulosin (flowmax) and dutasteride (avodart) for 20+ years. During this time I have had two PVP laser surgeries and one water vapor (Rezume) procedure. I feel the dutasteride (similar to finasteride) has reduced the growth rate of my prostate. The tamsulosin has helped make it easier to go. While my prostate has not grown out very much (intruding further on my bladder), it keeps growing in on my urethra. This is why I keep having surgeries. But, I am tired of these more short term fixes and am at Mayo Clinic now for HOLEP surgery, which I feel will be much longer lasting. Long story short, as long as you and your urologist feel the finasteride and flowmax are helping I would keep taking them. They may not prevent surgery but can help delay it and make things more tolerable while you see what is needed in the future. Good luck!