Men's health alert: Blood or pain down there? Expert explains the warning signs of prostate issues

When it comes to health, men tend to ignore or postpone check-ups until it becomes unbearable. One such aspect that deserves to be addressed is the prostate. The prostate is a small gland that is roughly the size of a walnut, located just below the bladder. It plays an important role in producing seminal fluid. Most men overlook early warning signs of prostate problems , assuming they are just part of aging. Ignoring these small hints can sometimes lead to more serious complications.

Globally, prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men where there are 1.47 million new prostate cancer cases worldwide and is one of the top causes of cancer death with around 3,97,000 deaths occurring globally in 2022. Although not every prostate issue is cancer but it is one of the most common cancers among men that often begins silently without even getting noticed. Detecting it early makes treatment more effective and outcomes much better.


Signs that should not be ignored
Prostate issues don’t always ask for attention, especially during the early stages. Here are a few of the signal’s men should be paying attention to:

• Waking up from sleep multiple times during nighttime can be more than just an inconvenience. It is often a sign that your prostate is swollen or irritated.
• If there is trouble while starting to begin or stopping while urinating, your prostate could be squeezing against the urinary tract.

A change in the way urine flows, such as dribbling or weak pressure, is considered another red flag and indicates a problem.

Blood should never be ignored and requires urgent medical examination, even if it occurred just once.

Pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or during ejaculation might sometimes be connected to prostate inflammation or infection.

Precautions that should be taken:

• Balanced diet and adequate water intake: Eating fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods provides antioxidants whereas red and processed meat help control prostate inflammation. Adequate water intake is necessary to keep the urinary system healthy for easy strain on the prostate.
• Stay active: It is also important to exercise regularly for right hormonal balance and to avoid obesity which leads to prostate enlargement and cancer.
• Limit alcohol, caffeine & avoid smoking: These substances irritate the bladder and may worsen the prostate symptoms.
• Routine check-ups: PSA tests and exams should be done after the age of 50 or if having any family history. Immediate medical attention for urinary problems can prevent conditions from worsening. If the cancer is detected, visit urologist for proper treatment treatments like surgery (radical prostatectomy) and radiation therapy which offers a complete cure for localized prostate cancer. For advanced or slow-growing prostate cancers, therapies like hormone therapy, chemotherapy are used to control the disease.

Men often joke about their health, brushing things off as “just age catching up.” But your body has its own way of sending signals. If those signals keep showing up, it’s important to pause and listen. Your prostate may be small, but the role it plays in your health is significant. Diagnosing a problem in early stage is more about maintaining your health, peace of mind and quality of life rather than just treatment.

Dr. Vikram Barua Kaushik , HOD & Consultant – Urologist, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram