New Survey Highlights the Quality of Life Impact of an Enlarged Prostate

Men With Bothersome Urinary Symptoms Find Travel Less Enjoyable Due to Frequent Bathroom Needs

WAYNE, Pa., Sept. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical technologies, today 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.”
  

“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.