Q: What causes LUTS?

If it's painful for you to urinate, your LUTS might be caused by a urinary tract infection, or in men - infection and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis). Difficulty storing urine causing frequency of urination or urgency, might be because of an overactive bladder. If this is associated with blood in the urine, serious conditions such as bladder cancer or bladder stones need to be ruled out. An underlying chronic medical condition, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea can also cause LUTS. Drinking fluids late at night, having too much alcohol or caffeine, or low levels of physical activity, can make storage symptoms worse. Symptoms connected to problems with passing urine are usually due to a blockage that makes it more difficult for you to pass urine. This could be caused by an enlarged prostate gland, or scarring of your urethra. Other causes of LUTS include some medicines, and diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's disease. LUTS is also linked with poorer quality of life and depression and erectile dysfunction in men. A local study showed that 10% and 20% of men with LUTS suffered from anxiety and depression respectively.

Q: What can I do about my urination woes?

LUTS isn't just a normal part of ageing, so it's a good idea to see your doctor if you notice any changes to urination - particularly if the symptoms are affecting your quality of life or interfering with normal daily activities. Your doctor will evaluate the severity of your symptoms. In men, an examination of the prostate through the anus with a gloved finger is done to evaluate the size of the prostate, check for pain in the prostate which may indicate infection, and the presence of lumps of the prostate which may indicate cancer. Urine tests may be done to rule out infection. The doctor may advise on lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol, avoiding large amounts of fluid before bed, preventing constipation, and losing weight. Most patients suffering from LUTS from an enlarged prostate (BPH) or overactive bladder will respond to medication. A minority of men with BPH may require minimally invasive surgery to remove part of the obstructing prostate tissue.

Question 1

How common is LUTS?

Accepted Answer

LUTS becomes more common as you get older. It can happen when you&#x27;re young, but the cause of the problem is likely to be different. In Singapore, it has been reported that 17% of men aged 40 and above have moderately to severe LUTS.

Question 2

What causes LUTS?

Accepted Answer

If it&#x27;s painful for you to urinate, your LUTS might be caused by a urinary tract infection, or in men - infection and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis). Difficulty storing urine causing frequency of urination or urgency, might be because of an overactive bladder. If this is associated with blood in the urine, serious conditions such as bladder cancer or bladder stones need to be ruled out. An underlying chronic medical condition, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea can also cause LUTS. Drinking fluids late at night, having too much alcohol or caffeine, or low levels of physical activity, can make storage symptoms worse. Symptoms connected to problems with passing urine are usually due to a blockage that makes it more difficult for you to pass urine. This could be caused by an enlarged prostate gland, or scarring of your urethra. Other causes of LUTS include some medicines, and diseases such as stroke and Parkinson&#x27;s disease. LUTS is also linked with poorer quality of life and depression and erectile dysfunction in men. A local study showed that 10% and 20% of men with LUTS suffered from anxiety and depression respectively.

Question 3

What can I do about my urination woes?

Accepted Answer

LUTS isn&#x27;t just a normal part of ageing, so it&#x27;s a good idea to see your doctor if you notice any changes to urination - particularly if the symptoms are affecting your quality of life or interfering with normal daily activities. Your doctor will evaluate the severity of your symptoms. In men, an examination of the prostate through the anus with a gloved finger is done to evaluate the size of the prostate, check for pain in the prostate which may indicate infection, and the presence of lumps of the prostate which may indicate cancer. Urine tests may be done to rule out infection. The doctor may advise on lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol, avoiding large amounts of fluid before bed, preventing constipation, and losing weight. Most patients suffering from LUTS from an enlarged prostate (BPH) or overactive bladder will respond to medication. A minority of men with BPH may require minimally invasive surgery to remove part of the obstructing prostate tissue.

Question 4

I heard LUTS can be caused by prostate cancer. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of LUTS in men is non-cancerous growth of the prostate (BPH). Prostate cancer can sometimes be found during the evaluation for LUTS. Early prostate cancer usually does not cause urinary symptoms as it is usually located in the part of the prostate away from the urine passage (urethra). Advanced prostate cancer can cause LUTS if it grows large enough to compress the urethra. There are pros and cons to screening for asymptomatic prostate cancer. The benefit is an improved chance of cure for earlier detected prostate cancer, with reduced chance of prostate cancer related symptoms and death. Men interested in early prostate cancer detection should only decide on prostate cancer screening after a discussion with their doctors on whether it is suitable for them.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Urination Problems

Urination problems (LUTS)

Don't let your symptoms go unchecked

What are Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)?

How common is LUTS?

What causes LUTS?

What can I do about my urination woes?

I heard LUTS can be caused by prostate cancer. Is that true?