I had urinary retention 5 months ago. dr. prescribed tamsulosin & finasteride. my question did the finasteride work first or the tamsulosin after taking both for a month that i was able to urinate again?

These two medications have different effects on your prostate. You're relatively young for benign prostate hypertrophy with outlet symptom. Because finasteride has its effect by shrinking your prostate, it takes longer time to ease the sx if used alone. Tamsulosin opens the bladder outlet sphincter so it works faster, sometimes just overnight & no need for finasteride if prostate is not enlarged.

Tamsulosin works faster. Finasteride takes several weeks for it works by affecting certain hormone/ enzymes. I am glad they are working and you are well again