Prostate issues may not always exhibit early symptoms. However, some of the common warning signs may include;.
1. Difficulty urinating
An enlarged prostate makes it hard to urinate, and you may notice a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying or feel like you always need to go. A weak or slow urinary stream may also be a warning sign of the onset of prostate issues.
2. Painful urination
Prostate infections, prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate often cause men to experience discomfort, pain or stinging sensation when urinating. This usually points to a prostate issue that could be chronic or acute.
3. Blood in urine or semen
If you detect the presence of blood in your urine or semen, it’s essential to get checked for prostate cancer, as it’s one of the major symptoms.
Other medical conditions such as a urinary tract or prostate infection could also cause blood in the urine or semen.
4. Pain in the hips, lower back, and pelvis
Prostate cancer tests involve checking for the presence of cancerous cells in your prostate gland. Because the prostate is situated near the bladder and urethra, developing prostate cancer may cause chronic pain in your lower back, hips, or pelvis.
5. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, could be a warning sign of several medical conditions that result in prostate issues. This includes prostate cancer, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
6. Painful ejaculation or difficulty during sex
Sexual difficulty is a warning sign of prostate problems, including cancer. Painful ejaculation and discomfort during sex can affect your sexual well-being and quality of life if left unchecked.
7. Sudden weight loss
While it’s common for an individual to lose weight over time, rapid weight loss without changes in diet or exercise routines may be a warning sign of prostate cancer or other underlying medical conditions that require medical attention.
8. Fatigue and weakness
Prostate cancer can lead to fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion, which may affect your daily routine if left unchecked. Men experiencing such symptoms should schedule a medical check-up to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer.
9. Frequent urination
If you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom too often, especially at night, it could signify prostate issues.
This is a common symptom of prostate cancer, and it’s suggested that men experiencing symptoms should seek medical help immediately.
10. Decreased urine flow
Reduced urine flow, along with the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, could be a potential sign of prostate issues.
While the condition may merely be a symptom of BPH, it’s recommended that individuals seek medical attention to rule out other possibilities.