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Prostate Problem Guide
Assessing The Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
One of the problems with benign prostatic hypertrophy (an enlargement of the prostate which affects the majority of men above the age of 60) is that the symptoms can vary widely from one person to the next and it can be difficult to assess the degree of treatment required, or indeed whether treatment is needed at all.
To assist in this assessment the American Urological Association has designed a short questionnaire consisting of just seven questions.
For the first six questions you allocate yourself a score according to your answers as follows:
0 points - not at all.
1 point - less than 1 time in 5.
2 points - less than half the time.
3 points - about half the time.
4 points - more than half the time.
5 points - almost always.
The questions, which apply to the previous period of one month, are:
1. How often have you experienced a sensation of not emptying your bladder after urinating?
2. How often have you had to urinate less than two hours after your previous urination?
3. How often have you stopped and started again several times during urination?
4. How often have you experienced an urgent need to urinate and found it difficult to hold on?
5. How often have you experienced a weak flow of urine?
6. How often have you felt the need to urinate but have had to strain to begin urination?
For the seventh question, which also applies to the previous month, you simply allocate a point score equal to your answer (up to a maximum of 5). So, if your answer is twice you allocate 2 points and if your answer is four times you give yourself 4 points. The question is:
7. On average, how many times have you had to get up during the night to urinate?
Once you have completed the questionnaire and allocated a points score to each answer you then total up your score, which will fall somewhere between 0 and 35. The higher your score the more severe your symptoms and the greater your need for treatment. In general, a score of 7 or less would indicate that your condition does not warrant treatment at this time.
It should be stressed that this test is just one test among several that your doctor may use to assess whether you are suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy and, if so, what treatment would be appropriate. It is not designed to be used in isolation or for self-diagnosis.
If you are experiencing problems and suspect that you may be suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy then you should consult your doctor.
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