Study uncovers factors potentially associated with lower LUTS risk - Summary - MDSpire
Coming Soon: Introducing MDSpire News. Learn more
Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more

Study uncovers factors potentially associated with lower LUTS risk

Sexual frequency was associated with lower odds of urinary symptoms in a US cohort but not a Chinese cohort.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • August 21, 2026

  • 4 min

Share

Objective:

To analyze factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, focusing on sexual behavior and other health-related factors.

Approach:
  • Cohorts Analyzed: The study analyzed 4,241 adult men from the NHANES (2005-2018) and 1,240 men aged 30 years or older from a cross-sectional survey in China (April-December 2024).
  • LUTS Assessment: LUTS was assessed using urinary habit questions in the NHANES cohort and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in the Chinese cohort.
  • Statistical Analysis: Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between sexual behavior-related factors and LUTS.
Key Findings:
  • Men reporting first sexual intercourse at age 20 or older had lower odds of LUTS.
  • In the NHANES cohort, men with sexual activity of at least 104 times per year had 0.73 times the adjusted odds of LUTS compared to those with 0-11 times per year.
  • In the Chinese cohort, first intercourse at age 20 or older was associated with 0.27 times the adjusted odds of LUTS compared to those reporting first intercourse at age 15 years or younger.
  • Immediate postcoital urination was associated with 1.83 times the adjusted odds of LUTS, and use of drugs to enhance sexual function was associated with 1.99 times the adjusted odds.
  • Men reporting moderate satisfaction with sexual activity had 0.56 times the adjusted odds of LUTS, and those reporting extreme satisfaction had 0.33 times the adjusted odds.
Interpretation:

The study found associations between sexual behaviors and LUTS, but could not establish causality due to its cross-sectional design.

Limitations:
  • Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
  • Potential recall or social desirability bias in survey responses.
  • Language or cultural differences may have influenced IPSS reporting.
  • The Chinese cohort may not have been nationally representative.
  • Relatively small sample size necessitates validation in larger studies.
Conclusion:

The study does not establish that modifying sexual behaviors will reduce LUTS.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

Study uncovers factors potentially associated with lower LUTS risk

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • August 21, 2026

Related Content

First HIV-Positive-to-HIV-Positive Lung Transplant Reported

The procedure was performed under a HOPE Act research protocol at an NYU Langone Health center the institution said is among the limited number of US transplant centers equipped and approved to perform HOPE lung transplants.

Are GLP-1s Linked to Optic Neuropathy?

A nationwide Swedish cohort found a higher relative risk of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy among GLP-1 receptor agonist users, but the overall risks were low.

Can Controlled Breathing Reduce Substance Craving?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found small, consistent reductions in craving across substance use disorders, while evidence for withdrawal symptoms and substance dependence remained limited.