Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men
July 2025
in “
JAMA
”
TLDR Men over 50 often experience urinary issues due to prostate enlargement or bladder problems, treatable with therapies, medications, or surgery.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, affecting up to 40% of those over 50, are often due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an overactive bladder detrusor. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications like urinary retention. First-line treatments include behavioral therapies and medications such as α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which can improve symptoms and prevent progression. Combination therapies are more effective than monotherapy. Surgical options, including transurethral resection and minimally invasive procedures, are effective for refractory cases, with varying complication rates and retreatment needs.