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PHILADELPHIA — A new low-tech medical device called BladderVoid aims to help improve the lives of men dealing with the discomfort associated wtih an enlarged prostate, or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
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BladderVoid LLC said Tuesday that its patented medical device, created by health care professionals, provides deep, soothing and long-lasting heat to the bladder muscle to enable men to urinate and empty the bladder completely.
Shaped like a miniature neck-and-shoulder heat wrap, BladderVoid is anatomically designed to fit the male groin area. After heating the BladderVoid gel pack in the microwave for approximately one minute, men can wrap it around the genital area while urinating to relax the bladder muscle. After about 30 seconds, the bladder muscle relaxes and the urge to urinate is stimulated, allowing a man to fully empty his bladder, the company said.
The device also works with initiating the double voiding technique recommended by the Mayo Clinic, the company added.
BladderVoid can be purchased at select Walgreens drug stores and online at bladdervoid.com at a suggested retail price of $29.95.
The device was invented by Mark Brown, who originated the idea after witnessing his father’s struggles at a hospital to get urine samples after a stroke.
"BladderVoid is really helpful for patients who want to avoid the expense and dependency of medications designed to increase the flow of urination," stated Dr. Peter Sinaiko, a urologist based near Philadelphia. "There are a lot of side effects that come with drugs and much discomfort with catheters. It’s refreshing to recommend something to patients that is easy to use and not so invasive."
According to the American Urological Association, half of all men have BPH by age 60. Most men report only mild BPH symptoms, which according to Sinaiko can often be treated through lifestyle changes and home remedies such as BladderVoid.
