International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Test and Chart
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts
Ian C. Langtree - Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2022/12/11
Contents: Summary - Definition - Introduction - Main - Related
Synopsis: IPSS test for males to determine problems with urinary difficulties and to check how effective treatment includes a fillable and printable chart. The IPSS was designed to be self-administered by the patient, with speed and ease in mind. Hence, it can be used in both urology clinics as well as the clinics of primary care physicians (i.e., by general practitioners) for the screening and diagnosis of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH, also called prostate enlargement, is a noncancerous increase in prostate gland size. Symptoms may include frequent urination, trouble starting to urinate, weak stream, inability to urinate, or loss of bladder control.
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 Digest
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.
| Severity and Score Results | |
|---|---|
| Score | Severity |
| 0 to 7 | Mild |
| 8 to 19 | Moderate |
| 20 to 35 | Severe |
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
Print the Fillable International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Chart
The Healthwise International Prostate Symptom Score is current as of February 10, 2021.
Related Information
- Prostate Glossary of Definitions
- Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments
- Male Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Levels and Chart
- Prostate Gland: Enlarged Symptoms, Cancer & Treatments
- Natural Remedies For Prostate Problems
- Erectile Dysfunction: Male Impotence Information
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
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Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2022, December 11). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Test and Chart. Disabled World. Retrieved September 9, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/ipss-table.php
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