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Interactive Tool: How Bad Are Your Urinary Symptoms From Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

What does this tool help you learn?

This tool asks about your urinary symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and gives you a score based on how severe your symptoms are. BPH is an enlarged prostate gland. As the prostate gets bigger, it may cause problems when you urinate. Your score on this tool may help you think about if and how you want to treat the problem.

The tool is based on the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index.footnote 1 The index is also called the International Prostate Symptom Score.

Lerner LB, et al (2021). "Management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia: AUA Guideline part II, surgical evaluation and treatment." Journal of Urology, 206(4): 818-826. DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002184. Accessed January 10, 2022. [Erratum in Journal of Urology, 207(3): 743. DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002388. Accessed June 15, 2022.]

Lerner LB, et al (2021). "Management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia: AUA Guideline part I, initial work-up and medical management." Journal of Urology, 206(4): 806-817.DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002183. Accessed January 10, 2022. [Erratum in Journal of Urology, 206(5): 1339. DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002231. Accessed June 15, 2022.]

What does your score mean?

Your score gives you an idea of how bad your symptoms are. It will fall into one of these ranges:

  • Mild (0 to 7)
  • Moderate (8 to 19)
  • Severe (20 to 35)

By itself, your score doesn't mean that you do or don't need treatment. But it is a useful way for you and your doctor to look at and talk about your symptoms and watch them over time.

People differ in how bothered they are by urination problems. Despite your score, you may not be troubled by your symptoms at all. Or you may feel that your symptoms are having a big impact on your life.

What's next?

BPH can be a bother, but it's usually not a serious health problem. If you are concerned about your symptoms, talk to your doctor about your options. They may include:

  • Small changes to your lifestyle and urination habits, plus regular checkups to make sure that the problem is not changing or getting worse.
  • Medicines to help reduce your symptoms.
  • Surgery to help correct the problem and reduce your symptoms.

The main thing that helps you decide if and how to treat your symptoms is how much the symptoms bother you, not what your score is.

Explore more

References

Citations

  1. McVary KT, et al. (2010). Guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In American Urological Association Guideline: Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), pp. 2–34. Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association Education and Research. Available online: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines.cfm?sub=bph.

Credits

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary