urology

IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score)

Assesses lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) severity in BPH. Guides watchful waiting vs medical vs surgical management.

Incomplete emptying (over past month, how often do you feel bladder not fully empty?)

Frequency (urinating again within 2 hours)

Intermittency (stopping and starting)

Urgency (difficult to postpone urination)

Weak stream

Straining to start urination

Nocturia (times getting up at night)

Score interpretation

Mild LUTS (IPSS 0-7)

→ Watchful waiting; lifestyle advice (fluid restriction, double voiding); annual review

Moderate LUTS (IPSS 8-19)

→ Medical therapy: alpha-blocker (tamsulosin) or 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (finasteride) or combination

Severe LUTS (IPSS 20-35)

→ Surgical evaluation: TURP or HoLEP; urodynamics; check PSA and residual volume

Interpretation bands for the IPSS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.