Positive Health Online

Abstract

BALES and colleagues, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Illinois USA conducted a survey to assess awareness and use of phytotherapeutic agents for the treatment of urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) .

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a survey of 1280 patients presenting to the University of Chicago Hospitals urology clinic. The questionnaire related to age, race, educational level and use of prescription and non-prescription medications for urinary symptoms.

Results

1264 patients (98.8%) correctly completed the questionnaire. Individuals in the 51-60 year range showed the greatest percentage of use of botanical agents. Whites were almost twice as likely as African Americans to use medicinal botanicals and men with college or graduate school degrees were 1.5 times as likely to use medicinal botanicals to treat LUTS. Greater than 50% of men using phytotherapeutic drugs were also taking prescription medications for their urinary symptoms.

Conclusion

There is significant use of phytotherapeutic agents in men with LUTS, with variability in their use between patient groups. Physicians need to understand the use of mechanisms of botanical medicines in order to best advise and treat their patients.

References

Bales GT et al Phytotherapeutic agents in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms: a demographic analysis of awareness and use at the University of Chicago. Urology 54(1): 86-9 July 1999.