Recently, images of mile-long TSA lines have become a familiar—and frustrating—part of modern travel. But those images may trigger more than irritation. They often spark a quiet, unspoken anxiety: What if I can’t hold it?
For many men, this concern is far from uncommon. In fact, about half of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can cause frequent urination, sudden urgency, and difficulty holding their urine.1 Men suffering from BPH may already be frustrated with everyday life: constantly searching for a restroom and waking throughout the night to urinate. In situations like airport security lines, where wait times are unpredictable and restroom access is limited, this becomes more than an inconvenience. It can feel like a barrier to travel itself.
When “Just Hold It” Isn’t an Option
There’s a common assumption that needing a bathroom is simply a matter of patience. But for men with BPH, urgency isn’t always manageable. The need to urinate can come on suddenly and intensely, making “holding it” unrealistic and, in some cases, physically uncomfortable or even distressing.
Now imagine standing in a security line that stretches across the terminal, unsure if it will move quickly or stall for an hour. With media publishing “TSA Wait Time Clocks,” the pre-trip anxiety and fear of embarrassment are crippling for
many. Stepping out of line risks missing a flight. Staying put risks embarrassment. It’s a no-win scenario—and one that many men face silently.
The Hidden Cost of Travel Anxiety
The impact goes beyond a single stressful moment or line. For some men, the unpredictability of situations like TSA lines leads to broader lifestyle changes. Travel becomes something to avoid altogether. Long car rides, concerts, sporting events, and anything without guaranteed, immediate restroom access can feel off-limits.
There’s also a social cost. Abruptly leaving a line, explaining frequent bathroom trips, or worrying about accidents can often create embarrassment. As a result, many men simply adapt by limiting their lifestyle or activities, rather than seeking solutions.
More Than Just Managing the Moment
For some, products like absorbent pads or adult diapers can offer a sense of backup in unpredictable situations. But these aids don’t address what’s driving the symptoms, and for many, they’re not a long-term answer.
No one should have to skip a trip, avoid a moment, or stand in silent stress over something that can be addressed.
There are a range of approaches to managing BPH, from lifestyle changes and medications to procedural options like the UroLift™ System. A minimally invasive procedure, the UroLift™ System is designed to relieve pressure on the urethra caused by an enlarged prostate. By addressing the blockage, the procedure may help reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day quality of life.2
The right path can vary depending on individual needs and preferences, which is why it’s important for men to understand that multiple treatment options exist and to have informed conversations with a healthcare provider or urologist.
Reclaiming the Freedom to Travel
Travel should be about excitement and opportunity, not anxiety. Yet for many men dealing with BPH, something as routine as airport security can feel like an obstacle. Taking action can pay off.
Corey, a man who had the UroLift™ System procedure, was finally able to confidently travel abroad to visit family—a trip he had been putting off for years. Corey is now a UroLift Patient Ambassador*, part of a network of UroLift™ System patients who are available to share their BPH journey.
No one should have to skip a trip, avoid a moment, or stand in silent stress over something that can be addressed. Anyone who’s stood in a TSA line knows the frustration of slow movement. And for those dealing with BPH symptoms, that same frustration shows up in a more personal way.
If this sounds familiar, don’t ignore it. Talk to a healthcare provider or urologist about your symptoms and learn what options might be right for you. Waiting at security lines will always be a frustrating part of travel, but you can take steps to move through life’s journey with greater peace of mind.
References:
* UroLift System Patient Ambassadors are real patients who share their personal experience and are compensated for their time; they do not provide medical advice. Individual results may vary.
1. Yale Medicine. Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/enlarged-prostate-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph. Accessed 4/6/26.
2. Roehrborn, Can J Urol 2017
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