A research team led by Dr Margaret Husted from the University of Winchester is conducting research into a medical condition which affects huge section of the male population over the age of 50.
Around three million men in the UK suffer from BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or an enlarged prostate. Many are relieved they haven’t got prostate cancer, but the condition can still have many painful side effects, psychological and social as well as medical.
Now the University is asking for men with BPH to share their stories of how they chose their treatment and how it has affected their lives.
The most common symptoms of BHP are difficulty in passing water, a frequent need to urinate and difficulty in fully emptying the bladder.
However, as Post-Doctoral Researcher Dr Andrew Marren of the University of Winchester explained there are many other problems beyond the bathroom.
“There are lots of issues relating to BPH which can affect men’s quality of life,” he explained. But this is a very under-researched area.
“Some men suffer from lack of sleep because they have to keep getting up in the night which affects their work.
“Others worry about loss of libido and sexual function if they undergo surgery. Some men simply start to drink too little because they are worried they will have to go to the toilet or change plans due to limited toilet access.”
There are a range of lifestyle changes as well as medicines and surgical options to tackle BPH, depending on how badly the symptoms are affecting the sufferer.
The Winchester studies will ask men what factors they considered when they chose their treatment paths and how the treatment and the condition has impacted their lives.
The team are looking for men who are waiting for a surgical BPH treatments as well as men who are around 2-6 months post (after) surgical treatment for BPH about how treatment has impacted their lives. Both studies should take around 60 minutes to complete.
The study, conducted in conjunction with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation, is funded by The Urology Foundation and the The Sir James Ratcliffe Charitable Foundation.
Chief Executive of the Urology Foundation, Rebecca Porta said : “We firmly believe that research is key to addressing urology diseases like BPH. We are committed to seeking interventions that help to improve outcomes for those who experience an enlarged prostate both now and in the future.
"We know that many males will experience an enlarged prostate, particularly as they get older. We also recognise the significant impact this can have on a person’s quality of life. We were delighted to fund this important research into enlarged prostate, which is looking to understand what patients consider to be ‘good improvements’ following surgery. This will help to inform decision making processes and will mean that patients and clinicians can come to the most appropriate decisions for the individual. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this much-needed research.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the study can email andrew.marren@winchester.ac.uk
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