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Prostate symptoms in general practice: seriousness and inconvenience
M J Wille-Gussenhoven1, G H de Bock, M J de Beer-Buijs
1Department of General Practice, University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Prostatism affects 20% of men over 50, with many not consulting their doctor despite significant symptoms. Encouraging GP consultations for urinary issues is crucial for better management of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- General Practice
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Prostatism, a complex of urinary symptoms, significantly impacts men's quality of life.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause, but other factors contribute to prostatism.
- Understanding the prevalence and patient-GP interaction is vital for primary care management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the severity and inconvenience of prostatism in a general population.
- To examine the relationship between symptom severity and general practitioner (GP) consultation rates.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study surveyed 979 men aged 50+ in Dutch general practices.
- Symptom severity and inconvenience were assessed using the Symptom Index for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
- Consultation patterns for urinary symptoms were recorded.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of moderate to severe prostatism was 20%.
- A significant majority (60%) of affected men did not consult their GP.
- 19% experienced severe dissatisfaction, yet a small fraction (1.4%) still avoided consultation.
Conclusions:
- Prostatism encompasses more than just BPH and is under-reported in primary care.
- There is a need to encourage men experiencing micturition problems to seek medical advice.
- Improved patient-provider communication can enhance the management of prostatism in general practice.