BSN Tracker

Assessment Tool: IPSS

The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), also known as the AUA Symptom Index, quantifies the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Have the patient complete all 7 symptom items, then rate the quality-of-life (QoL) question. Repeat IPSS after treatment to evaluate response. The QoL item reflects symptom bother and guides treatment urgency.

IPSS — International Prostate Symptom Score

A validated 7-item self-administered questionnaire (plus 1 quality-of-life item) that quantifies the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Also known as the AUA Symptom Index. Total symptom score ranges from 0–35; quality-of-life item is not included in symptom total.

Symptom score interpretation

0–7

Mild symptoms

8–19

Moderate symptoms

20–35

Severe symptoms

1. Over the past month, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
2. Over the past month, how often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?
3. Over the past month, how often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
4. Over the past month, how often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
5. Over the past month, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?
6. Over the past month, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?
7. Over the past month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning?
Quality of Life (QoL) — not included in symptom total

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?