Urinary symptomatology in younger men

Objectives. We surveyed a ''population'' of younger men (20 to 49 years old) for lower urinary tract symptomatology and for symptomatology associated with prostatitis. Methods. A National Guard unit was surveyed by mail with a 58-question urinary symptom questionnaire. Surveys were returned anonymously by mail. Results. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8 or greater was seen in 5% of men in their 20s and rose to 15% of those in their 40s. Approximately 5% (0% to 7%) reported a history of prostatitis. Caffeine caused symptoms in 2% to 13%, while exercise and smoking were not associated with symptoms. Individual prostatitis symptoms were only seen occasionally across this age group. Conclusions. As measured by the IPSS, urinary symptoms increased during the 20 to 49-year age period. A history of prostatitis is much less common than most nonpopulation studies suggest. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.