The Urology Center Glossary terms

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (Female):

The term lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) implies urinary symptoms which are caused by diseases which effect the bladder, prostate or urethra, as opposed to upper urinary symptoms caused by irregularities which effect the kidneys and ureters. LUTS consist of burning with urination (dysuria), frequent nighttime urinating (nocturia), decreased force of the urinary stream (slow urine stream), the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, urge to urinate (urinary urgency), incontinence and others. LUTS are nonspecific and many urological, as well as non-urological disease processes may trigger of these symptoms.

While problems with LUTS in men are commonly blamed on the prostate, LUTS are just as commonly found in women. Common causes of LUTS in women are pelvic prolapse ("falling" pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus or rectum), vaginitis, infections, constipation and aging bladders. Other, potentially serious medical problems may also cause these symptoms. These include neurological diseases like stroke, spinal cord disc disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Thus, there is a real need for a comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms by a qualified urologist.

(Please visit our Female Urology Center of Excellence for additional information.)