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Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms or LUTS is an all-encompassing term to describe the various symptoms that men experience as they age. While LUTS can affect men of any age, the risk of developing these conditions increases with advanced age.

Because LUTS is such a broad term, it is necessary for the physician to determine the root cause of the problem to implement an effective treatment plan. Further, the causes of LUTS are many and varied and in some cases the root of the problem stems from elsewhere in the body.

LUTS can include:

  • Bladder problems (obstruction, overactivity)
  • Urinary hesitancy, frequency incontinence, pain
  • Nocturia
  • Blood in urine

Causes of LUTS

The causes of LUTS are varied and an accurate diagnosis requires proper testing from a qualified urologist or physician. They may include:

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
  • Prostatitis
  • Prostate or bladder cancer
  • Bladder problems
  • Kidney or bladder stones

How are LUTS Diagnosed?

There are many tests to help determine the root cause of LUTS. These may include:

  • CT Scan
  • Cystography
  • Cystometry
  • Ultrasound
  • Urinalysis
  • Uroflowmetry
  • X-Ray

A physician or urologist will order the appropriate tests based on the symptoms experienced by the patient.

Since LUTS can indicate anything from a very minor to a severe problem, it is important that patients visit their physician or urologist at the first signs of lower urinary tract function abnormalities.

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