International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Test and Chart
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2022/12/11 - Updated: 2025/08/05
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Category Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) test and chart, as presented below, is a valuable tool for men experiencing urinary difficulties. This self-administered questionnaire, developed by the American Urological Association and adopted worldwide, helps assess the severity of urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The page provides a comprehensive breakdown of the test, including the scoring system, symptom questions, and a quality of life assessment. By offering a printable chart and explaining how to interpret the results, this resource enables men to better understand their urinary health and facilitates more informed discussions with healthcare providers about potential treatment options for prostate-related issues - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
The American Urological Association (AUA) developed the following questionnaire to help males determine problems with their urinary difficulties and check how effective treatment is. This chart has since been adopted worldwide and is known as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).
Main Content
The International Prostate Symptom Score is based on the answers to urinary symptoms, and one question concerns your perceived quality of life. For each question, you choose one of the provided answers. The answers are assigned points from 0 to 5. Your total score ranges from 0 to 35 (asymptomatic to very symptomatic).
Symptom Score Point Scale
Use the following point scale when answering the questions.
- 0 points = You answered "never".
- 1 point = You answered "less than 1 out of 5 times".
- 2 points = You answered "less than half the time."
- 3 points = You answered "about half the time."
- 4 points = You answered "more than half the time."
- 5 points = You answered "almost always".
Symptom Score Questions
- Over the past month, how often have you had the feeling of not completely emptying your bladder after you finished urinating? (A male who had the feeling of not completely emptying his bladder less than half the time - but more than 1 out of 5 times - score 2 points.)
- Over the past month, how often have you had to urinate less than 2 hours again after you finished urinating?
- Over the past month, how often have you found that you stopped and started several times again when urinating?
- Over the past month, how often have you found it hard to hold your urine? (A male who found it hard to hold his urine less than once out of every five times - score 1 point.)
- Over the past month, how often have you had a weak urine stream?
- Over the past month, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?
- Over the past month, have you had to get up to urinate during the night? Give a score to the number of times you.
- Did not get up at all - 0 points
- You got up one time - 1 point
- You got up two times - 2 points
- You got up three times - 3 points
- You got up four times - 4 points
- You got up five times or more - 5 points.
Your Total Score
Reference your score to the chart below. Your total score shows the severity of your symptoms. Your total score can be used to develop a treatment plan if needed.
| Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0 to 7 | Mild |
| 8 to 19 | Moderate |
| 20 to 35 | Severe |
Print the Fillable International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Chart
Quality of Life Scale
The International Scientific Committee (SCI), under the patronage of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), recommends the use of only a single question to assess the quality of life. Although this single question may or may not capture the global impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms or quality of life, it may serve as a valuable starting point for a doctor-patient conversation. The answers to this question range from "delighted" to "terrible" or 0 to 6. If you were to spend the rest of your life with your urinary condition just the way it is now, how would you feel about that?
- Delighted
- Pleased
- Mostly satisfied
- Mixed
- Mostly dissatisfied
- Unhappy
- Terrible
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While digital health tools continue to proliferate, the enduring value of the IPSS lies in its simplicity and clinical validation across diverse populations. This straightforward questionnaire demonstrates how effective medical screening can be when designed with patient autonomy in mind, allowing individuals to privately assess their symptoms before seeking professional care. For many men, particularly those who may feel uncomfortable discussing urinary issues, this standardized approach provides both a framework for self-evaluation and the confidence that comes from using a globally recognized medical instrument - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.