By Aleksandra Vayntraub // SWNS
NEWS COPY W/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
Answering nature’s call is an integral part of daily health, but one-third of surveyed men over 60 have at least three “close calls” a week, according to new research.
A recent study asked 2,000 American men aged 60 and older what aspect of their health they’d like to improve. Most chose being in perfect shape (41%), followed by getting enough sleep (31%) and never having to worry about frequent urination or finding a bathroom in time (24%).
Nearly one in three said they feel worried or self-conscious about the frequency of their daily urination.
Despite the number of men affected, more than a quarter feel like they’re alone in constantly needing the bathroom.
Despite nearly 40% of surveyed men resorting to peeing in an improvised spot at least once a month when left with no other option, three in 10 felt uncomfortable doing so. Grassy areas like parks were the most common location used by most respondents (43%), followed by front or backyards (31%) and alleyways (22%).
Sometimes, though, men have had to get creative, using a soda bottle in a traffic jam, an empty fabric softener jug and even a shoe.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Boston Scientific Corporation, the study also looked at how frequent urination affects men’s interactions with others.
Thirty-seven percent of respondents often make note of where to find bathrooms before they leave home for a work commute or event.
But certain activities end up being interrupted or avoided altogether due to the need for frequent bathroom breaks, including road trips (33%), sleep (25%), watching a TV show/movie (25%) and family get-togethers (19%).
When asked about the worst or most awkward bathroom interruptions, respondents recalled having to use the bathroom in the middle of a business deal, leaving the table at a Thanksgiving dinner and “having to go” at their own birthday party. One respondent noted they had to “stop sex twice to use the bathroom.”
More than half reported frequently experiencing an urgent need to pee, a weak stream or waking up at night to go to the bathroom — all common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — but only 27% have been diagnosed with the condition.
“While the symptoms discussed in our study are unfortunately familiar to many men over age 60, more than a quarter still expressed feeling alone in their struggle,” said Ronald Morton, chief medical officer and vice president of clinical sciences, Urology and Pelvic Health, Boston Scientific. “The truth is that BPH is an exceedingly common condition, and there are minimally- invasive treatment options available that can safely reduce the size of the prostate and lessen these frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms to help men resume their lives. It’s important for men who are experiencing these symptoms to talk with their doctors about their treatment options.”
THE WORST/MOST AWKWARD BATHROOM INTERRUPTIONS
- “In the middle of a business deal.”
- “While getting my teeth done.”
- “In the middle of a wedding.”
- “When I had to go at my own birthday party.”
- “Having to stop sex twice to use the bathroom.”
- “Having to leave the table at Thanksgiving dinner.”
- “Having to go while playing bingo.”
- “In front of a large group of people when I was the speaker, I had to stop and go to the bathroom before I could continue speaking.”
- “In the last 15 minutes of a movie in a crowded theater.”
- “Playing pool.”
- “Sunday church services.”
- “Teaching a class and having to go twice in an hour’s time.”
- “Cooking breakfast. I had just put my eggs in the skillet then I had to run to the bathroom.”
Data from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Boston Scientific from August 5 – August 7, 2021, of 2,000 American men aged 60+.
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© 2021 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. URO-1133811-AA OCT 2021