1. ¹Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
2. ²Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine and Urological Sciences Research Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
3. ³Albert Einstein Medical Center and Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Correspondence: Professor CG Roehrborn, Department of Urology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, J8 142, Dallas, TX 75390-9110, USA. E-mail: claus.roehrborn@utsouthwestern.edu

Received 18 July 2005; Accepted 29 August 2005; Published online 18 October 2005.

Abstract

This questionnaire-based survey evaluated the frequency and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the prevalence of enlarged prostate (EP) diagnosis and its impact on quality of life and spousal relationships among >1000 American men aged >50 years. A quarter of men suffered moderate to severe LUTS and 55% of those consulting a doctor had EP. EP negatively affected patient quality of life and caused relationship strain with spouses. These findings confirm that LUTS and EP are prevalent in the US population, affecting both patient and spouse, and may help in developing management strategies for EP.