What is Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)?

Lower urinary tract symptoms are a common problem, especially for men as they age.

• As many as 3 in 10 men over the age of 65 suffer from LUTS. That number increases to 40% in men aged 75 years or older, according to some studies.
• The principal underlying cause for men who develop LUTS is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Studies show about one third of patients who develop LUTS see their symptoms improve, one third remain unchanged, and one third worsen over time. 

Risk factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms include:

• Increased serum dihydrotestosterone levels
• Obesity
• Elevated fasting glucose
• Diabetes
• Fat and red meat intake
• Inflammation

Men should seek a referral to a specialist assessment if they have:

• Bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms that have not responded to conservative management or drug treatment
• LUTS complicated by recurrent or persistent UTIs
• Urinary retention
• Renal impairment thought to be due to lower urinary tract dysfunction
• Suspected urological cancer
• Stress urinary incontinence