Around one in 50 men suffer from one prostate condition or another, ranging from benign prostate enlargement to prostate cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide.

So what happens after you get diagnosis for a prostate problem? If you are a keen traveller, is that the end of the line – no more adventures, no more wonders of the world to discover?

That need not be the case at all, especially for benign conditions or if prostate cancer is caught in the early stages. But as with any medical condition, prostate disease does bring its complication to travel, although they are by no means insurmountable. It may just mean that you have to know your body a little better than you once did.

Here are some simple tips for planning to travel with a prostate condition.

Prioritise personal comfort

Prostate problems can cause certain issues that many men find highly embarrassing, including urinary problems and incontinence. This might also be accompanied by discomfort. You simply have to accept it for what it is. If your condition means you need to go to the toilet frequently, include comfort breaks in your planning – you might, for example, request a seat close to the toilet on a flight. If you need to take certain equipment with you, such as incontinence pads or catheters, make sure you stock up on everything you need in advance to take with you.

Get insurance for your condition

Travel insurance policies include a schedule of cover for any medical treatment you might need abroad. As most foreign citizens are not entitled to free or subsidised medical support in most countries, it is essential that all travellers have this, as the cost of visiting the doctor or going to hospital can otherwise be extremely high. But medical cover on travel insurance policies is generally designed to cover emergencies and basic care, not treatment for specific conditions. If you have something like an enlarged prostate, it is essential that you declare it, otherwise your condition could invalidate your insurance. Most companies will try to add a costly premium to include your specific medical needs in a policy. Your best bet is to go to a specialist provider offering dedicated prostate condition travel insurance at a lower rate.

Take your medication with you

If you are on prescribed medication, it is important to take everything you need for the duration of your trip with you. Even if you take a prescription, it may be difficult to get hold of the right products as different pharmaceuticals are used to treat the same condition in different countries. You might also face a language barrier and the fact that brand names differ from one country to the next. Ask your doctor for a script to dispense everything you will need for your trip, and a letter explaining what they are should you need medical assistance while abroad.