URINARY SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN YOUNGER MEN

Objectives. We surveyed a ''population'' of younger men (20 to 49 year s old) for lower urinary tract symptomatology and for symptomatology a ssociated with prostatitis. Methods. A National Guard unit was surveye d by mail with a 58-question urinary symptom questionnaire. Surveys we re returned anonymously by mail. Results. International Prostate Sympt om 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%) report ed a history of prostatitis. Caffeine caused symptoms in 2% to 13%, wh ile exercise and smoking were not associated with symptoms. Individual prostatitis symptoms were only seen occasionally across this age grou p. Conclusions. As measured by the IPSS, urinary symptoms increased du ring the 20 to 49-year age period. A history of prostatitis is much le ss common than most nonpopulation studies suggest. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.