Survey Reveals: An Enlarged Prostate Puts a Damper on Travel Enjoyment for Men with Urinary Symptoms

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WAYNE, PATeleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) announced results of its new survey showing that symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can interrupt travel plans and cause other activities to be less enjoyable. Those surveyed indicated that personal plans are often disrupted by urinary issues, and many men pre-select specific routes on road trips due to bathroom availability.

“Most men that come in for consultations believe bothersome urinary symptoms are a common symptom of aging and have little understanding of the options to alleviate the daily interruptions those symptoms can cause. BPH is a common men’s health condition, and more than 14 million men in the U.S. are seeking treatment for it,”1 said David Wilkinson, M.D., a urologist and employee of Teleflex.

BPH is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs as men age.2 The enlarged prostate presses on and can block the urethra, causing lower urinary tract symptoms like increased frequency or urgency of urination.3 BPH can result in interrupted sleep, loss of productivity, depression, and decreased quality of life.4

The Teleflex survey* was conducted to understand experiences men have with urinary symptoms commonly associated with BPH. The survey sample included approximately 1,000 men aged 45 years or older who had at least one urinary symptom associated with BPH. Key findings include:

  • Approximately 1 in 4 men with at least one BPH symptom (23%) report that they almost always choose certain routes on road trips because they have more, or better, availability of bathroom facilities.
  • Nearly half of respondents (43%) report that they have to stop more than they’d like to during road trips.
  • 1 in 3 respondents (33%) “strongly agree” or “agree” with the statement: “I used to enjoy road trips, but the frequent need to urinate makes them less enjoyable.”
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“Symptoms related to BPH can significantly impact quality of life,” said Dr. Wilkinson. “I have had BPH patients who described mapping out the nearest restrooms on road trips to seek relief.”

All 1,000 men surveyed reported at least one symptom commonly experienced with BPH, but only half of respondents (49%) have been to a urologist, even though nearly all men surveyed (95%) reported that it is important for them to be better informed about men’s health issues.

“These survey findings emphasize the importance for men to seek help from a urologist if they are experiencing unusual and bothersome urinary symptoms,” said Kevin Hardage, president of the Teleflex Interventional Urology business unit. “If BPH is left untreated, it can lead to permanent bladder damage and worsen the existing problem.”5

“In my experience, I’ve often seen men pay more attention to the health of their cars than their own healthThe survey results underscore the need for more men to advocate for themselves and visit a urologist to discuss their urinary symptoms and a diagnostic evaluation such as cystoscopy, so that they can get back on the road and back to enjoying their lives,” said Michael Leventhal, executive director of the Men’s Health Network.

Men who are diagnosed with BPH are often prescribed medications for the condition and may be unaware of other treatment options. One such option is the UroLift™ System, a proven minimally invasive treatment that can get men off BPH medications and allow them to avoid major surgery.6 The UroLift™ System is the number one minimally invasive BPH procedure chosen by urologists and their patients in the U.S.1 Compared to medications, the UroLift™ System has demonstrated a larger reported effect on quality of life for patients.6,7

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References:

  1. U.S. 2022 estimates based on US Market Model 2022-24 (5-17-22 FINAL), which is in part based on Symphony Health PatientSource® 2018-21, as is and with no representations/warranties, including accuracy or completeness
  2. American Cancer Society Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=The%20American%20Cancer%20Society’s%20estimates,34%2C700%20deaths%20from%20prostate%20cancer
  3. AUA BPH Guidelines 2003, 2020
  4. Speakman, BJUI 2014
  5. Tubaro, Drugs Aging 2003
  6. Roehrborn, Can J Urol 2017
  7. Fwu, J Urol 2013
  8. Shore, Can J Urol 2014
  9. Rukstalis, Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Dis 2018
  10. McVary, Urology 2019
  11. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013
  12. Management estimate based on product sales as of April 2023. Data on file Teleflex Interventional Urology.

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