We provide estimates of the prevalence, incidence and remission of difficult bladder emptying symptoms (
prostatism) among noninstitutionalized men 60 years old and older living in a community in the United States. The prevalence of 1 or more symptoms of
prostatism (hesitancy, straining, weak stream, intermittency or use of a
catheter) among men who never had prostatic surgery
is 35%. The annual incidence rates during years 1 and 2 of followup were 16.4% and 16.1%, respectively. Remission of symptoms of
prostatism also was observed. Of the respondents with severe symptoms at baseline 22.9% were asymptomatic 1 year later. The prevalence of prostatic surgery in this population was 20%. The annual incidence rates during years 1 and 2 of followup were 2.6% and 3.3%, respectively. Urological and nonurological correlates of
prostatism are identified. The irritative bladder symptoms are all significantly associated with moderate to severe bladder emptying symptoms (p < 0.0005). Nonurological conditions that also are associated with moderate to severe symptoms of
prostatism include use of
sedatives or tranquilizers,
arthritis, poor health status and
transient ischemic attacks. These observations are the initial step in documenting and understanding the various symptoms of
prostatism, and its application in clinical practice.