How UTIs Occur Differently in Men and Women
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are much more common in women than in men, but men do get them, too. Although the cause is the same — a bacterial infection — the mechanism differs. So do the implications.
7 Signs That Could Signal Prostate Cancer
If you’re a man and you still have your prostate, you’re at risk for prostate cancer. The small, walnut-shaped gland that lies below your bladder and in front of your rectum produces the fluid that composes semen. It also makes enzymes, zinc, and citric acid that help nourish your sperm.
In addition to producing semen, the prostate contains muscles that help propel the semen into and through your urethra. Whenever you have an ejaculation, your prostate’s been hard at work.
This year, researchers project that more than 36,000 men in the United States will die from prostate cancer. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Prostate cancer is curable when it’s found in an early stage.
Although you may never have actively thought about your prostate before, our expert urologist, Alex Lesani, MD, encourages you to do so. Regular screenings at our Las Vegas, Nevada, office, can identify prostate cancer in early, curable stages — before symptoms appear.
What are the signs that could indicate prostate cancer? Following are seven of them.
1. You’re symptom-free
You feel great. You have amazing erections and ejaculations. You pee in a steady stream and thoroughly evacuate your bladder. You easily control your urge to urinate and can sleep through the night without ever getting up to pee.
You could still have prostate cancer. Stage 1 prostate cancer — the earliest stage — is almost always symptom-free. Men at average risk can start screening at age 55. If you’re at higher risk, you may wish to start sooner.
2. You pee or leak a lot … especially at night
Unless you work out and chug a half-gallon of water before you hit the bed each night, waking up frequently to pee could be a sign of prostate cancer. It could also be a sign of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, aka an enlarged prostate).
Another symptom is urinary incontinence. You might have to rush to the bathroom to get there in time. Or you might not make it and end up with leaks.
When you pee too much or leak, either the prostate itself or a tumor on the prostate is putting stress on your bladder if you pee at night — a condition called nocturia — or if you have incontinence, you deserve to know why so you can get the sleep (or the treatment) you need.
3. Your pee stream is weak or comes in spurts
Another symptom that could be attributed to either BPH or prostate cancer is a weak or unreliable urine stream. You may have to wait a while before your urine starts. It may come out in drips and drabs. Or the stream may be weak and thin.
4. It feels like you never pee enough
When you urinate, you should feel as if your bladder is completely empty. If it still feels like there’s liquid in your bladder, but you can’t get it out, come to see us.
5. There’s blood in your urine or semen
Blood in your urine could be a sign of prostate cancer, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or another condition. Blood in semen is rare, but it could be a sign of cancer. If blood comes out of your urethra, get it checked out as soon as possible.
6. You can’t maintain an erection
Men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) for many reasons, including psychological stress. However, if you have chronic ED, it could be related to BPH or to prostate cancer.
7. You have pain
Burning or pain when you urinate is not normal. You should get it checked out immediately.
An even more concerning symptom is pelvic pain. Advanced prostate cancer can invade the muscles in your pelvis or rectal wall. You may also feel a mass or “ball” when you sit down.
Don’t ignore painful sensations or changes to your urination quality or quantity. If you have symptoms of urinary or pelvic changes, let us know right away by phoning us at 702-470-2579. If you’re ready for a prostate cancer screening, call us or book your appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
When and Why Should You Start Seeing a Urologist?
Although urologists treat issues of the male reproductive tract, they’re also specialists in the urinary tracts of both sexes. Whether you’re a man, woman, or even a child, you may need to see a urologist. Here’s how to know when it’s time.
Use Your Benefits Before They Expire—Get That Prostate Screening Done
Depending on your insurance plan, or the one your employer provides for you, it’s possible that today’s benefits won’t be available in the new year. Do yourself a favor and get life-saving tests, such as prostate screening, while you still can.
Why Does Bariatric Surgery Raise the Risk of Kidney Stones?
You’re ready to take charge of your weight and health by undergoing bariatric surgery. But you’ve heard that the procedure is associated with an increased risk of painful kidney stones. Is that true? The answer depends on the type of surgery.
I Have Elevated PSA Levels: What Comes Next?
You just got some concerning news. Your urologist explains that your levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are elevated. A high PSA is associated with prostate cancer. Does that mean you have prostate cancer? Or not? What are your next steps?
Prostate Cancer: What Does Watchful Waiting Involve?
You have prostate cancer. It’s not the news that you were hoping for, but you’ll live. Literally. Your urologist says that your cancer is small enough that you can just “watch and wait.” What does that mean? Watch for what? Wait for what?