Quality of Life and Urinary Symptoms

A new survey has once again demonstrated that men with urinary symptoms common with an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), often anticipate and plan for their urgent and frequent bathroom needs. It also showed that half of the men surveyed reported that they avoided events and activities they enjoy because of their urinary symptoms. This extreme bathroom planning can disrupt normal daily activities.

More than 42 million men in the United States alone have BPH. If left untreated, not only does it impact quality of life, it can also lead to permanent bladder damage. The sooner BPH is treated, the sooner patients can improve their symptoms and quality of life.

“In BPH patients, the enlarged prostate presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms, such as an urgent or frequent need to urinate or the sensation that the bladder is not empty after urinating,” said Gregg Eure,+ M.D., FACS, Urology of Virginia. “These symptoms can significantly impact a man’s quality of life, leading to interrupted sleep and even a loss of productivity and depression.”

The study was conducted to explore how urinary symptoms commonly associated with BPH impact men’s daily lives. The survey included approximately 1,000 men in the United States, 45 years and older, who have experienced ongoing urinary symptoms.

Here are some of the staggering stats:

-More than 40% of men have chosen certain routes (roads, highways, etc.) on road trips because they have more frequent restroom facilities

-Approximately 1 in 5 men said that locating the closest bathroom is the first thing they do when they go somewhere new

-About 43% of men select their seat when purchasing tickets to a sporting or entertainment event based on accessibility to the restroom

-Over 70% of men said their energy level has been impacted during the day because they get up frequently at night to urinate and to avoid this, about three in four men limit the amount they drink in the evening

-Some men (about 22%) have even slept in another bed or room than their spouse, partner or significant other

Most commonly medications are the first treatment option for men diagnosed with BPH. However, nearly one in four of the 65% of men who were treated with medications said their medication was ‘not very effective’ or ‘not effective at all.”

Next up, if medications fail: Procedures. Many men have heard of the traditional TURP procedure which is done in a surgery center where the obstructing prostate tissue is cut and burned off. But there are other options too.

Urolift is a minimally invasive approach to treating BPH and a proven alternative to medications and major surgeries. It is an in-office procedure with only local anesthesia. Patients can go home the same day, recover from the procedure quickly and can return to their normal activities with minimal downtime. Additionally, it is the procedure shown not to cause new onset, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.

Interested in learning more about Urolift? Contact Austin Urology Institute for an appointment with a provider to discuss all treatment options for BPH including Urolift at 512.694.8888.