June is Men’s Health Month, during this time we at Premier Health would like to take a moment to remind men to take charge of their health, especially when it comes to urological concerns. Prioritizing your well-being doesn’t just benefit you, it also supports your loved ones and helps maintain your overall quality of life.
Urological symptoms can be early warning signs of more serious medical issues. Paying attention to these signs and seeking medical care early can make a big difference. Read more below to learn about five urological symptoms men should never ignore.
Frequent or Urgent Urination
Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night, can be more than just a nuisance. It may signal an underlying issue such as:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, leading to frequent urination.
- Overactive Bladder (OAB): Involuntary bladder muscle contractions can cause sudden, strong urges to urinate.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections can irritate the bladder lining, causing increased urgency and frequency.
If you’re urinating more than eight times a day without drinking significantly more fluids, it’s important to consult your Premier Medical provider so they can check for any potential underlying causes.
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming and it should never be ignored. Some possible causes include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the urinary tract.
- Kidney or Bladder Stones: These can damage the urinary tract lining and cause visible blood.
- Enlarged Prostate: BPH may result in bleeding due to increased pressure in the urinary system.
- Cancer: Blood in the urine can be an early sign of bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer.
Even if the bleeding is occasional or painless, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to diagnose the cause.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
While occasional trouble getting or maintaining an erection can be normal, persistent ED may signal a more serious health condition, such as:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Reduced blood flow due to clogged arteries can affect erectile function.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erections.
- Low Testosterone: Hormonal imbalances may impact sexual function.
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression are also common contributors to ED.
Addressing ED early can lead to better outcomes and may help uncover other health conditions that need treatment.
Pain or Burning During Urination (Dysuria)
Burning or pain when urinating, also known as dysuria, should never be brushed off. It can be a symptom of several conditions:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections can cause inflammation and pain during urination.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to discomfort.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea may cause dysuria.
- Kidney Stones: These can cause intense pain and a burning sensation as they move through the urinary tract.
If these symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s important to reach out to your doctor to find and treat the cause.
Lumps or Pain in the Testicles
It’s important to be familiar with your body so that you can have an idea of what your baseline normal is and notice when anything is different. Changes in the testicles, whether pain, swelling, or lumps, should be taken seriously:
- Testicular Cancer: Often presents as a painless lump. Early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis can cause pain and tenderness.
- Testicular Torsion: A twisted testicle cuts off blood supply usually delivered through the spermatic cord to the testis. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage if not treated quickly. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency and should be addressed as soon as possible after initial symptoms occur.
Monthly self exams can help detect any issues early. If you notice any changes, contact your Premier Medical doctor right away.
Take Charge of Your Urological Health
Ignoring symptoms won’t make them go away. In fact, it can lead to serious complications. This Men’s Health Month, make a commitment to prioritize your health. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, talk to your doctor. Early detection and treatment are key to protecting your long-term health and well-being. Your health matters to you and to those who care about you.
Premier Medical Group Urology Division is one of the foremost providers of comprehensive urologic services in the Hudson Valley and Northeast. Established over 40 years ago, today our 15 physicians maintain offices in 4 locations, in Dutchess County, Ulster County, and Orange County. Leaders in their field, each of our physicians is trained in general urology as well as in at least one sub-specialty such as urologic cancers, urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, robotic and laparoscopic surgery, and kidney stone disease. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you maintain optimal health. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards better urological health.