In men, urinary problems unfortunately become more frequent with age. Whether it’s difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or frequent and urgent urges, there are many signs that can indicate a problem.
And while in some cases it may be benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, it can also be a sign of cancer. Fortunately, the most reputable urologists now have tools like the IPSS score that allow them to assess symptoms as early as possible. What is the IPSS score? Developed by the World Health Organization, you can obtain your IPSS score by completing the IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) questionnaire. Specifically, this questionnaire aims to quantify the intensity of urinary symptoms in men, based on seven questions. But before the
interpretation of the IPSS score,
a final question is addedregarding the patient’s quality of life. A closer look at the IPSS score resultsSince the IPSS questionnaire answers are scored from 0 to 5 (or 6 for the last question), this allows you to obtain a score ranging from 0 to 35:0 to 7: you have mild symptoms that do not require any treatment 8 to 19 : you have moderate symptoms that may warrant medical follow-up
20 to 35
: you have severe symptoms that indicate prostate dysfunction
- Who should you consult if you have any doubts about your IPSS score? If you feel that
- your symptoms require contacting a healthcare professional, there are specialists who can assist you at any time in interpreting these results. For example,
- Dr. Allan Lipsker is a renowned urologist and andrologist in his field, particularly in the treatment of
prostate pathologies
by laser or with the placement of penile implants. When consulting a professional like this, ensure you have access to a personalized approach tailored to your specific case, as symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Furthermore, the IPSS score is a starting point, but it should then be used to determine the appropriate tools for each individual case. Is it truly useful for patients? Even though some patients criticize this test for being too brief, potentially giving the impression of a frivolous questionnaire, it is actually quite useful. In fact, the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Solidarity recommends completing another questionnaire, “My Prevention Assessment,” for all men between 45 and 50 years old. In the case of the IPSS questionnaire, this allows for the earlier detection of urinary problems, even when they are minor, to prevent them from impacting patients’ quality of life. In some cases, this also allows for the earlier detection of progressive conditions and the implementation of preventative measures. For patients who don’t always pay attention to their current health, this questionnaire is often a first step towards awareness, especially for those who disregard the daily discomfort it causes. Today, particularly after age 50, many men consult urologists to prevent their health from worsening, starting with this questionnaire.
