Bathroom Planning Employed by BPH Men.

Men with urinary symptoms common with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, may anticipate and plan for their urgent and frequent bathroom needs and even avoid events and activities they enjoy because of their urinary symptoms, according to a survey by medical technology manufacturer Teleflex Inc., Wayne, Pa.

Whether they plan for interrupted sleep, limit the amount they drink, or purposefully seek out and stay close to the bathroom, extreme bathroom planning can disrupt normal daily activities.

"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," says Gregg Eure at 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."

Some 49% of those surveyed reported they have avoided events or activities they enjoy. When they do attend an event or perform an activity, a significant number make plans or take action to accommodate their bathroom needs.

More than 40% have chosen certain routes (roads, highways, etc.) on road trips because they have more or better availability of restroom facilities. About one in five said that locating the closest bathroom is the first thing they do when they go somewhere new. About 43% have selected their seat when purchasing tickets to a sporting or...