A recent survey involving more than 1,000 men over the age of 50, sponsored by NeoTract, Inc., has found that most are either uninformed or have misconceptions about BPH and treatment options that could alleviate their suffering.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affects more than 37 million men in the United States, causing obstruction of the urinary system which results in lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination. About one in four men experience BPH-related symptoms by age 55 and, by age 70, over 80 percent of men suffer from BPH. Despite being a benign tumor, it often leads to sleepless nights and depression, overall decreasing men’s quality of life. “BPH can have a significant impact on quality of life for men as well as their partners, and can place limitations on their activities,” Ana Fadich, vice president of Men’s Health Network, said in a press release.

“The survey results mirror other research and anecdotal evidence from U.S.-based urologists that patients rarely mention their BPH-like symptoms,” said Dave Amerson, president and CEO of NeoTract. “We conducted this survey in order to further understand the level of awareness among men at highest risk of developing BPH, and the results support our expectations that traditional treatments have a negative connotation among most men.”

The survey, which was completed in October, found that most men (61%) would postpone BPH treatment due to concerns with sexual side effects or urinary incontinence, and almost half (44%) were not aware that BPH is more common than prostate cancer. Importantly, 83% of men surveyed would be open to a non-surgical treatment option with less risk of impotence and incontinence.

The survey showed that men require further information about BPH and physicians can contribute to increase awareness among patients. “Most patients blame their symptoms on aging. They may not be aware of the high prevalence of BPH or the available medical or surgical treatment options. There is a high risk to delaying treatment and so men should proactively talk with their doctors,” said Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, urologist at South Lake Hospital (Florida) in affiliation with Orlando Health. “It all has to start with a conversation on prostate health. As physicians we need to think beyond cancer and better evaluate and treat BPH because with new minimally invasive procedures the risks are low compared to medications or other surgeries.”