Even on Mother’s Day, moms tend to be most focused on the health and well-being of their family—and never more so than in this time of crisis. Thoughtful presents and cards are always appreciated, but for these tireless advocates, what could be better than the simple gift of uninterrupted sleep? For many women whose partners experience frequent nighttime waking, this often-unspoken wish may feel impossible.
Why Many Men Over Age 45 Wake Up Often at Night
Many men may be unaware that a frequent need to urinate at night is associated with a common condition that affects over 40 million men in the United States.1, 2 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs as men age.
As the prostate enlarges, it can block the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as a frequent or urgent need to use the bathroom, a weak or slow urine stream or difficulty starting to urinate.
When This Common Health Condition Affects Partners, Too
In two recent surveys of 1,000 men and 1,000 women over age 40 in the United States, men with BPH said that sleep continues to be the most impacted lifestyle issue as a result of their symptoms of enlarged prostate – 63% of men with BPH suffered sleep issues. But the interrupted sleep often extends to the other side of the bed as well. In fact, one in three women said their partner’s BPH symptoms affect their sleep.
If you think frequent urination is a natural part of aging, but you’re not sure if your symptoms are “normal,” take the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire to learn more.
And the impact of BPH on women is not limited to sleep.
Of the women surveyed, 33% of those whose partners suffer from BPH said their symptoms affect their sexual relationship and 15% said their partner’s symptoms affect their social activities and vacations.
Of course, symptoms of enlarged prostate can take a significant toll on a man’s quality of life and may lead to loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life.3
Deciding to Seek Treatment
For many men who suffer mild BPH symptoms, a “wait and see” approach may be appropriate to monitor for worsening symptoms.
However, if concerns about unpleasant side effects from medication or surgery are holding you back from discussing your symptoms with a physician, it is important to know about a minimally invasive procedure that more than 175,000* men have chosen to treat their BPH.
Men should also understand that, as is the case with many conditions, earlier detection and treatment may reduce the risk of more serious issues from occurring later on.4
The UroLift® System
The UroLift® System is commonly performed in an office setting under local anesthesia and unlike surgical treatment options for BPH, the UroLift System does not require any cutting, heating, or removal of prostate tissue. This straightforward procedure provides rapid symptom relief and recovery with patients typically seeing an improvement in their symptoms in a matter of days.5, 6
Preserving Sexual Function
For both men and women, the risk of unpleasant sexual side effects is an important factor in determining how to treat BPH symptoms.
The UroLift System procedure preserves sexual function** and is a proven, minimally invasive approach to treating enlarged prostate that can allow men to quickly return to their normal activities.5,6
This Mother’s Day, consider taking care of your health to improve both your lives. Start by taking the IPSS questionnaire to get your BPH score. Then, consult your urologist to discuss your symptoms and potential treatment options. (See: Considerations for managing enlarged prostate symptoms (BPH) during the COVID 19 pandemic.)
Because good health is the best gift of all!
For important Patient Safety information, please visit UroLift.com/Patient-Safety.
*Management estimate based on product sales and average units per procedure
**No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the LIFT pivotal study
1 Berry, J Urol 1984 and 2017 U.S. Census population estimates
2 NeoTract US Market Model estimates for 2018 based on IMS Health Drug and Procedure data
3 Speakman et al. 2014 BJUI International
4 Tubaro et al. 2003 Drugs Aging
5 Roehrborn J Urol 2013 LIFT Study
6 Shore, Can J Urol 2014 Local Study
