An enlightening experience for men
GlaxoSmithKline Philippines (GSK) marked World BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia) Day recently with an event at the Makati Shangri-La. It wasn’t just a gathering of medical experts and the press, it was also an enlightening experience for a lot of men.
Twenty-four percent of men aged 50 to 59 years old in the Philippines reportedly suffer from at least moderate symptoms of BPH, a common disease that causes the prostate to increase in size as a man ages. BPH is not malignant or cancerous but it can affect the flow of urine. Whether it is incontinence or painful urination, this will definitely hinder the way a person lives. Through the “FUN to be WISE on BPH” advocacy, GSK hopes to raise awareness about the disease and help improve the quality of life of men in the Philippines. GSK regional medical expert for urology Dr. Marie Carmela Lapitan and medical affairs director for urology Dr. Joselito Javier welcomed guests to the event hosted by Sam YG.
According to the Harvard Medical School, most men eventually develop some type of prostate problem, including BPH. Patients affected by the disease often have to deal with sleep disruption and sexual dysfunction. The FUN to be WISE advocacy urges men to consult their doctors, and for women to tell the important men in their lives to seek medical advice and treatment while it is still early.
With GSK’s “FUNWISE” acronym (which is based on the International Prostate Symptom Score), men can know if they are experiencing symptoms of BPH.
Javier said, “Men should check for ‘Frequency,’ ‘Urgency,’ ‘Nocturia,’ ‘Weak Stream,’ ‘Intermittency,’ ‘Straining’ and ‘Incomplete Emptying’ (F.U.N.W.I.S.E.). The good thing about BPH is that the symptoms are noticeable.”