For both men and women it’s important to be on the lookout for telltale signs that might suggest all is not well in your body. That way, you can book an appointment with your GP immediately if you notice that something isn’t right.
Here are five important health symptoms for men to look out for:
A lump on your testicle
Testicular cancer is the commonest cancer in men aged 20-35, and some 2,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with the condition each year. Self-examination on a regular basis is recommended, and if you notice a lump or abnormality on one of your testicles you should make an appointment to see your GP straight away. The majority of testicular lumps and cysts are not cancerous, however, it’s best to be on the safe side, as treatment for testicular cancer is much more effective if the condition is diagnosed early.
Moles
All men should check moles on a regular basis to see if there are any alterations in colour, shape or if they start bleeding. The majority of changes are due to a non-cancerous change in the skin’s pigmentation, however, if a mole looks unusual or feels itchy you should definitely see your GP. Then, if necessary, it can be removed. If you can’t be sure about whether your mole has changed or not, take the NHS mole assessment test at http://www.nhs.uk.
Difficulties urinating
When the prostate gland becomes enlarged it may press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder, which makes it difficult to pass urine. This can be a sign of various prostate diseases, including cancer. Other symptoms to look out for include pain or burning when you pass urine or perhaps waking up multiple times in the night to use the bathroom. If you have any of these symptoms, arrange to see your GP. More than 30,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. If you are suffering from some of the symptoms above, then your doctor may suggest a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which involves taking a blood sample.
Depression
Depression is an illness that can take its toll on your work, social and family life, so if you have been experiencing feelings of extreme sadness on a regular basis, then you should make an appointment with your GP so that you can discuss your symptoms, with a view to possible maintenance medication that will help stabilise what is often a treatable condition.
See also: Important Male Health Checks
Impotence
At some point during your life most men experience problems regarding erectile dysfunction (ED). If you experience impotence problems for several weeks, then you should make an appointment with your GP, who, following tests, may prescribe Viagra—but only after the cause of ED is determined can it be effectively treated. However, simple lifestyle changes like losing weight and doing more exercise can often put the problem right. If you do go to see your GP regarding impotence problems, they are likely to give you a general health assessment, as ED can also be indicative of other health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Prostate Cancer: What you Need to Know
While the direct causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, your risk of developing the disease increases as you get older. Most cases of the disease develop in men aged 50 or older. Men who have close male relatives, such as a father or brother, who have suffered from the disease are at an increased risk of developing the condition.
The PSA test, a physical examination of the prostate or a biopsy, are the most commonly used tests to check for prostate cancer. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigens, however, the results can be unreliable as elevated PSA levels can occur due to other causes including non-cancerous growths or urinary tract infections.
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