Guys, Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

There are plenty of jokes for men as they get older, typically in their fifties or approaching that age, about the new doctor's visit they will have to undergo. The doctors have heard all the jokes, and most men find the simple test to be uncomfortable. However, it is no laughing matter.

This proctology exam should be given to all men when they reach a certain age, or earlier if there are there is a family history of prostate cancer. That little test that is often cause for mockery could reveal symptoms of prostate cancer or possible problems that should be treated immediately.

The symptoms of prostate cancer will vary from man to man. Also, some early signs of prostate cancer can not only be easily overlooked, but they could be other problems altogether. This is one of the reasons that makes it hard to recognize symptoms when they occur. Your regular physician can ask you a series of questions if you are concerned about it, and based on your age, family history, and symptoms can recommend you to see a proctologist for a rectal exam. With modern medicine this is less invasive than it used to be, putting a rest to some of the jokes that haunt the office.

The prostate sits below the bladder, and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra and it makes fluid that is part of the semen. It is about the size of a walnut. Though it is smart to be knowledgeable of the symptoms, you should definitely speak to a doctor if you suspect something is wrong.

Prostate cancer symptoms

• A painful or burning sensation during urination.
• Difficulty urinating, or trouble starting and stopping while urinating.
• The urge to urinate more frequently during the night, or getting up more at night to urinate.
• Losing control of your bladder.
• Losing control of your bowels.
• Your urination has a decreased flow or velocity. (You may not notice this right away but it can make a difference.)
• Blood found in the urine, also called hematuria.
• Blood found in the semen.
• Difficulty getting an erection, also called erectile dysfunction, or impotence. (However, prostate cancer does not actually cause this, it just happens to be a symptom.)
• Painful ejaculation.
• Swelling in the legs or pelvic area.
• Pain or loss of feeling (numbness) in the legs, feet or hips.
• Pain in bones that could lead to breaks or fractures, and never seems to go away.
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness that is unusual from what you normally feel.

Because of the close proximity to the bladder, the prostate gland will often show symptoms that affect the bladder and urinary tract. However, just because these symptoms present themselves, it doesn't always mean a prostate problem. It could be a bladder or urinary problem as well.

Stages

There are four stages of prostate cancer. Stage four is terminal, which makes the need to investigate any symptoms of prostate cancer as soon as you show signs. Stages one, two and three can be treated, given they are detected in time. What is important to know is that prostate cancer can metastasize and spread to other tissue and bones, which is why the pain in the urinary tract, bladder, legs, hips and feet occur. Regular doctor visits are important in order to catch these things before they have gone too far.

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