Men often brush off symptoms that could signal serious health conditions. This can lead to complications and late diagnoses.
The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system. It’s walnut-sized and typically doesn’t cause problems, but it can enlarge over time.
Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include a sudden need to use the restroom, pain during urination and blood in the urine. Men who experience any of these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. Additionally, it is better to prevent these problems, and exploring what a Prostadine review says could offer valuable insights into a supplement designed to support prostate health and potentially mitigate such issues.
1. Frequent Urination
Frequent urination can indicate a variety of conditions. In some cases, it is caused by an infection in the bladder (UTI), such as urethritis, cystitis, or pyelonephritis. In other cases, it is a sign of prostate cancer or other problems that affect the urinary system.
Most men urinate four to eight times per day, depending on fluid intake. Frequent urination is usually harmless, but it should be evaluated by a doctor when accompanied by other symptoms.
Often, the cause of frequent urination is due to an enlarged prostate, which can press against the bladder and urethra. This can make it feel like the bladder is not fully emptied, or it may take longer to start a urine stream. In extreme cases, an enlarged prostate can even block the flow of urine and result in a very weak stream or no stream at all. These types of problems are called urinary retention and require immediate medical attention. The doctor can help treat these symptoms with medication or surgery.
2. Painful Urination
Painful urination, also called dysuria, is a common symptom that needs to be reported to a healthcare provider. This symptom may be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate cancer or another condition. The sooner this symptom is addressed, the better the chances of finding a treatment option.
The most common cause of painful urination is an infection in the lower urinary tract. This includes the bladder, ureters and the urethra that carries urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body. This symptom can also be caused by certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
In some cases, the underlying cause of the pain is prostate cancer. This is because the cancer can grow to the point where it presses on the urethra and other glands or blood vessels in the area. This can lead to pain when urinating and even bleeding with ejaculation. Painful urination can be relieved with medication or other treatments. The healthcare provider will usually be able to diagnose this symptom by asking about your medical history and performing a physical exam.
3. Unusual Stool Colors
The poop we produce is a good indicator of our digestive health, so unusual colors set off alarm bells among GI specialists. White, light or clay-colored stool is a sign of a lack of bile in the body that can result from bile duct blockages or gallstones. It could also indicate a problem with the liver or pancreas.
Stool color varies from person to person, and some changes are harmless. But if you have green, yellow, orange or clay-colored stool, bright red or dark red, or black and tarry stools, you should see a healthcare provider immediately.
Hemorrhoids or anal fissures are the most common cause of bright red poop, but it can also be due to taking iron supplements, cranberries, beets, tomato-based products or consuming red food coloring. Black stools may be a symptom of colon cancer, a tumor or bowel obstruction, but they can also be a symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate gland, which is typically harmless. A doctor will perform laboratory and imaging tests to determine the underlying cause of stool color change.
4. Blood in the Urine or Semen
Blood in the semen, or hematospermia, is most often caused by inflammation or injury to blood vessels in your testicles, epididymis and vas deferens, which make up the male reproductive system. This can also be the result of problems with your prostate, such as a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or a bacterial infection known as prostatitis.
These conditions can cause your prostate to enlarge and block the flow of blood from your seminal vesicles to your bladder. They can also cause you to experience a gush of blood during sex, or pain with urination and ejaculation.
Men ages 40 and older should consider talking to their doctor about blood in the semen, especially if they have a family history of cancer or STIs or are experiencing symptoms like painful urination and ejaculation. A physician can help rule out the possibility of a disease or an infection, and may prescribe medications to treat those issues if necessary. It’s important to note that a small percentage of people who have blood in their semen don’t actually have cancer.
5. Difficulty Starting or Controlling Urination
Men experiencing difficulty starting or controlling urination should see their doctor as soon as possible. This symptom, known as urinary hesitancy, may be caused by an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland, which is located in the pelvis, grows larger as you age. It can become large enough to press against the bladder or urethra and slow or block urine flow.
This is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that affects many older men, and it often doesn’t cause serious problems. However, some men who experience BPH symptoms also have cancer in the prostate.
Difficulty with urination is one of the most common signs of prostate cancer. It’s important to track your urination habits so you can tell your doctor what your pattern is like.
A loss of appetite is another sign that you should seek medical attention. This symptom can be a result of cancer, but it could also be due to an infection, pain or other health problems. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, such as water, broth and clear soft drinks.
6. Unusual Stool Shapes
While you might not look at your stool very often, it is important to inspect it occasionally and pay attention to the shape, size and consistency. Your poop tells you a lot about your digestive system and your overall health. Changes in your bowel movements can be a warning sign of serious health problems.
Sausage or banana-shaped stools that are easily passed are considered ideal and indicate a healthy diet and digestive system. If your stools are hard or lumpy, this could be a sign of constipation and a need to drink more water. Fluffy or ragged-looking poop and pencil-thin stools can be signs of constipation, but can also indicate other health issues like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome or even cancer.
If you are concerned about any changes in your bowel movement, see your doctor right away. You will likely be given a digital rectal exam in which the provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel the back wall of your prostate for enlargement or bumps.
7. Changes in Urine Color or Smell
Men are generally familiar with what their urine looks and smells like, so any change can be a red flag to get in touch with a doctor. Urine should have a mild, ammonia-like scent and be pale yellow or gold in color. Foamy or frothy pee isn’t normal and could indicate protein in the urine, a kidney infection, diabetes or metabolic diseases.
Frequent or urgent urination can also be a sign of a prostate problem, especially in older men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, so it can obstruct urination when it enlarges. This can lead to a weak or stopping stream when you urinate and an inability to fully empty the bladder, particularly at night.
While most men who have these symptoms won’t have prostate cancer, it is important to take a closer look at their health and seek help if they notice any of these warning signs. Our care teams are here to talk through your concerns and provide the information you need to feel confident about your prostate health.
