Self-management in lower urinary tract symptoms: the next major therapeutic revolution

The standard treatments for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) range from watchful waiting to medical and finally surgical intervention. However, the role of self-management interventions such as education and reassurance, lifestyle modification and behavioural changes has not been formally investigated, although they are widely advocated and utilised for LUTS. Self-management interventions are well established in other chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and asthma. These interventions, if successfully organised within a structured program for LUTS, could improve patient outcomes as well as reduce the economic burden of LUTS treatment, by replacing or augmenting other treatments. Recent studies showing that long-term urodynamic and symptomatic deterioration of LUTS is minimal suggest that this is a safe and valid treatment option. This is supported by a recent pilot study of a LUTS self-management program which showed significant improvements in I-PSS and frequency-volume parameters. The results of a recently completed randomised controlled trial are awaited.