Almost every man, from family members to neighbors or celebrities, suffer from prostate problems at a determined age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem, particularly among older men. It is also known as prostate enlargement since it is characterized by an abnormal growth of the gland. Many men do not talk about the problem, but in 2011, the famous actor Gérard Depardieu admitted to suffering from prostate problems, after being unable to hold urination in an airplane.
The 67-year-old actor did not address the incidence, but his publicist announced that it was related to prostate problems, thought to be benign prostate hyperplasia. Gérard Depardieu’s co-star in the film Asterix: God Save Britannia, the actor Édouard Baer was present at the time and related what occurred. “Gérard Depardieu wanted to go to the lavatory. He was barred access. We were not far off taking off, so he urinated in front of everyone. I passed him a small bottle,” said Baer as reported by the Telegraph.
“He couldn’t wait, so I found this solution. I had a little Evian bottle with me, only it was too small so it overflowed He wanted to clear it up, but the hostess wouldn’t let him,” he continued.”It was naturally very embarrassing and humiliating for him. He didn’t do any grand gestures and shout: ‘I’m going to piss’. Whatever the larger-than-life nature of my friend Gérard, no one is that crazy.”
Frequent or urgent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia), difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts, dribbling at the end of urination, straining while urinating, and inability to completely empty the bladder are common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The severity varies depending on a series of factors. However, in the majority of the cases, the enlargement of the prostate results in pressure to the bladder and urethra, and, consequently, in urinary problems.
“No one is flattered to have a dodgy prostate and be obliged to urinate. But the (hostess) panicked and said the plane must stay on the tarmac. I stopped him because he wanted to go and explain to the crew, he was sorry and he was furious but didn’t lose his temper,” added Baer still talking about the incident, which left other passengers unpleased. “The lady was doubtless applying the rules, but it’s only human … are you supposed to pee your pants because of security rules?”
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