Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) include various symptoms involving urination. Examples include leaking urine, having sudden and frequent urges to pee, having a weak stream or feeling like you can’t empty your bladder. Symptoms can be signs of health issues that require treatment.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) include various urination problems, such as:
LUTS can affect anyone, but symptoms are more common in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and people over age 50.
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If you have lower urinary tract symptoms, talk to your primary care provider or a urologist. They’ll diagnose the cause and help you manage the symptoms.
LUTS is often caused by irritation, infection or obstruction in your urinary system:
The symptoms may be signs of a specific medical condition, including:
Lower urinary tract symptoms can also be associated with:
To diagnose the cause of lower urinary tract symptoms, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask you:
Your healthcare provider may order tests, such as:
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Treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms depend on the cause and how the symptoms affect your life.
Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as:
Various medications may be used to treat LUTS, including:
Other causes of LUTS may be treated surgically. For example, if there’s an obstruction, you may need an operation to remove whatever’s causing the blockage. If your prostate is enlarged, your healthcare provider might recommend a procedure to remove part of it.
It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider if you have any lower urinary tract symptoms. Even if the symptoms are mild, they may be signs of a developing health problem. And treatment can be more effective if started early.
It’s especially important to seek medical attention if LUTS are:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) include a wide variety of problems with urination. Examples include involuntarily leaking urine or having sudden and strong urges to pee. LUTS may be signs of a health problem, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider.
Last reviewed on 10/03/2022.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy