New Data Suggest Men May Want Non-Drug Alternatives For Treatment of Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Teleflex Survey Finds That Men Taking Medication to Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia May Have Concerns About Side Effects and The Number of Medications Prescribed

WAYNE, Pa., July 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) today announced results of a new survey showing that the majority of American men over age 40 are prescribed multiple medications to treat a variety of conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and that both men and women are concerned about possible side effects of medications. BPH, also known as enlarged prostate, is a common non- cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs as men age. The symptoms of BPH can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life.1

Two recent surveys sponsored by Teleflex Incorporated were conducted among 1000 men and 1000 women over the age of 40 in the United States to gather insights about beliefs and behaviors surrounding current treatment options for BPH as well as to understand current prescription medication trends more broadly.

The results demonstrated that many men and women surveyed believe that BPH can only be treated with medication, despite the availability of alternative treatment options for this common condition. In addition, the survey found that the majority of patients are interested in learning about alternative treatment options to treat their BPH symptoms.

“Americans are prescribed more medication than ever before2 despite the availability of non-drug alternatives for common conditions like BPH,” said Peter Walter, M.D.,
F.A.C.S., of Western New York Urology Associates in Jamestown, NY. “Medications can often have more physiological impacts beyond the condition the prescription aims to treat, interactions among drugs remains understudied, and clinical data regarding potential side effects of long-term alpha blocker use is inadequate. Additionally, many men simply stop treating their BPH symptoms as a result of unpleasant side effects or an unwillingness to take another pill.”

Patient Jim Ward endured frequent trips to the bathroom for over two years before having the UroLift System procedure earlier this year. “I was already taking daily medication to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol and I did not want to take any additional medications,” said Ward, a 57 year-old high school English and Drama teacher. “I felt exhausted at work all of the time and even considered early retirement because I was not performing to my normal standard. It took some time to connect my lack of sleep with my inability to focus during the day. After my UroLift System procedure, I feel sharper and more present than I’ve felt in years. The best part was having the procedure on a Friday afternoon and returning to work on a Monday morning.”*