Self-Management Is Beneficial for Men with Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

In a randomized controlled trial by van der Meulen et al., 140 men with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were assigned to either standard care alone (67 participants) or to a self-management program in addition to standard care (73 participants). The self-management group attended three small-group sessions where they learned problem-solving and goal-setting techniques to modify their lifestyle and behavior. Over a 12-month follow-up period, treatment failure was significantly lower in the self-management group compared to the standard care group, with differences of 32%, 42%, and 48% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Additionally, the self-management group reported a better quality of life and fewer troubles from their LUTS. The authors concluded that self-management could be an ideal first-line treatment for men with LUTS and suggested that a larger, multicenter trial should be conducted to confirm these findings.