Causes and Diagnosis

Causes and Diagnosis of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

LUTS are often caused by abnormalities of the prostate, bladder or urethra.

Risk factors may include:

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Prostatitis or urinary tract infections
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)

Diagnosing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Your physician will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may order tests, such as:

• Urinalysis: This test checks for blood cells, germs (like bacteria) or excess protein in the urine.
• Blood analysis: Your blood may be drawn to test kidney function and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels.
• Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the urinary tract.