One-third of the Swedish male population over 50 years of age suffers from lower urinary tract symptoms.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of and restrictions in various parts of daily life due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in an unselected Swedish male population.

Material And Methods: A random selection of 3345 men throughout Sweden, aged between 41 and 80, was contacted by telephone and evaluated according to International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The responders were then sent two different questionnaires based on degree of LUTS, IPSS <8 or >7.

Results: 2106 men (66%) answered the questionnaire. Of these, 33.4% had an IPSS > 7 and the IPSS increased with age. Of the men with IPSS >7 only 41% had consulted health services for their symptoms and 23% had received treatment. Thirty-seven per cent claimed that their problems had a great negative effect on their quality of life and 77% that they had affected their relationship with their spouse negatively to a great extent. Forty per cent did not consult health services despite their symptoms. In men with an IPSS <8 as many as 33% believed that LUTS would limit them in at least some part of their daily life.

Conclusions: LUTS is a common condition among Swedish men with a severe impact on quality of life and everyday life. Despite readily available medical assistance, two out of five men with LUTS still do not try to obtain a remedy. The data presented here identify a need for improved education regarding LUTS, to increase awareness of the condition and the treatment options that are available.