Association between the self-perception period of lower urinary tract symptoms and the international prostate symptom score

Objectives: The timing of visiting a hospital after self-perception of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is different between individuals. The association between the self-perception period (S-PP) of LUTS and the progression of LUTS has seldom been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the S-PP of LUTS and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comprising 267 men aged 40 years and older who participated in a prostate examination survey between February and May 2009. Survey questionnaires included items on the IPSS, the S-PPs of seven individual LUTSs assessed in the IPSS. Results: The S-PP of LUTS became significantly longer as the severity of LUTS increased. Of the seven symptoms, a weak urinary stream and nocturia showed longer S-PPs than others. Partial correlation between the S-PP and IPSS showed a statistically significant positive correlation. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship that unstandardized coefficients included 0.051 and 0.005 for IPSS and quality of life. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the S-PP is an independent risk factor for LUTS progression. S-PPs have to be considered for treatment or prevention of LUTS.