Doctor warns of 5 warning signs below the belt your ‘package’ may be sending you
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
In the realm of personal health, vigilance is key, especially when it comes to recognising the signs of serious conditions like cancer.
While women have been encouraged for decades to perform regular breast self-examinations, a similar emphasis on self-checks for men's health has been less pronounced.
However, a men’s health expert recently highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of men's wellness.
Dr Peter White, a leading urologist, sounded the alarm on the need for men to be more attentive to their penile health.
The penis, he explained, is not just a reproductive organ but a barometer of a man's overall well-being. Subtle changes in this area can be early indicators of serious diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
By conducting regular self-examinations, men can catch potential problems before they escalate into life-threatening issues.
Unfortunately, many men neglect this aspect of their health, either due to a lack of awareness or embarrassment.
‘Penile health is not just about physical appearance, it's a reflection of overall wellbeing,’ Dr White pointed out.
‘Everyone is unique in appearance, but identifying and tackling problems and issues early is crucial.’
Dr White urged men to overcome this hesitation and become familiar with their bodies to identify any concerning changes early on.
Dr White outlined five penile health changes that necessitate a doctor's visit.
1. Blisters and ulcers: A potential indicator of cancer
White patches or skin thinning on the penis may be a sign of lichen sclerosus, a condition that affects about 10 per cent of men between 30 and 50 years old.
This can lead to painful intercourse, scarring, and irritated skin. More alarmingly, lumps, rashes, or blisters could signal a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus (HPV).
While some STIs like syphilis cause painless sores, others like herpes result in painful blisters. HPV can lead to genital warts and is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of cervical cancer in women.
Moreover, blisters and ulcers that change in size or shape or exhibit discolouration could be warning signs of penile cancer, a rare but potentially deadly disease if not detected early.
2. Changes in fluids during sex
A decrease in ejaculate volume or weakened ejaculation can be more than just a sign of aging.
If these changes occur before the age of 45, they may indicate lower testosterone levels or other health issues.
Factors such as dehydration or excessive pornography consumption can also affect ejaculate volume.
Dr White suggested that men experiencing these symptoms seek medical advice, as blood tests and potential treatments like testosterone injections may be necessary.
He attributed this to weakened pelvic floor muscles and suggested increasing exercise, such as squats and crunches, to strengthen them.
3. Unpleasant odour: A sign of poor hygiene
An unpleasant smell in the genital area is often due to a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria, which can occur with inadequate hygiene.
This impacts both circumcised and uncircumcised men.
This issue can lead to a yeast infection called balanitis, characterised by redness and swelling of the foreskin.
Regular washing with warm water and soap is recommended to prevent such infections, but overwashing can also cause skin irritations.
4. Urination frequency and flow
Doctors advise that the average man should urinate six to seven times daily. However, surveys suggest that three-quarters of men fall short of this due to dehydration.
Dr White warned that infrequent urination can increase the risk of kidney problems, including kidney stones, which require painful operations to remove.
Approximately 11 per cent of men and six per cent of women experience kidney stones at least once in their lives.
A weaker urine stream may indicate weakened pelvic floor muscles, making it harder to expel urine.
Dr White also highlighted that increased urination frequency could signal diabetes, as the body uses urine to expel excess glucose.
For older men, frequent urination might be due to an enlarged prostate pressing on the bladder. To avoid dehydration, doctors recommend men drink 15 cups of water daily.
5. A new bend in the penis
According to Dr White, some curvature of the penis is normal. However, a pronounced curve, such as one approaching a right angle, may indicate Peyronie's disease.
This condition occurs when scar tissue forms in the penis, preventing it from expanding uniformly during an erection and resulting in a curve.
It often arises from injuries to the penis, such as those sustained during sports or vigorous sex.
Dr White noted that Peyronie's disease can hinder sexual activity and impact self-image, causing some men to struggle with maintaining an erection.
Many doctors recommend traction therapy, which involves wearing a device that helps correct the curvature to treat this condition.
As men navigate the complexities of their sexual health, it's essential to heed warning signs that could indicate underlying issues with penile health.
Dr White's insights shed light on various concerns that warrant attention and proactive management to safeguard overall well-being.
However, sexual health isn't just about physical symptoms; it also encompasses broader aspects of intimate relationships and well-being.
In a related vein, another health expert issues a cautionary note regarding a surprising yet significant mistake during sexual activity that could have detrimental effects on health.
Have you or someone you know encountered any of these symptoms? How did you address them? We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments below.
In the realm of personal health, vigilance is key, especially when it comes to recognising the signs of serious conditions like cancer.
While women have been encouraged for decades to perform regular breast self-examinations, a similar emphasis on self-checks for men's health has been less pronounced.
However, a men’s health expert recently highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of men's wellness.
Dr Peter White, a leading urologist, sounded the alarm on the need for men to be more attentive to their penile health.
The penis, he explained, is not just a reproductive organ but a barometer of a man's overall well-being. Subtle changes in this area can be early indicators of serious diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
By conducting regular self-examinations, men can catch potential problems before they escalate into life-threatening issues.
Men were encouraged by health expert Dr Peter White to regularly check their penis for signs of cancer and other diseases. Credits: Shutterstock
Unfortunately, many men neglect this aspect of their health, either due to a lack of awareness or embarrassment.
‘Penile health is not just about physical appearance, it's a reflection of overall wellbeing,’ Dr White pointed out.
‘Everyone is unique in appearance, but identifying and tackling problems and issues early is crucial.’
Dr White urged men to overcome this hesitation and become familiar with their bodies to identify any concerning changes early on.
Dr White outlined five penile health changes that necessitate a doctor's visit.
1. Blisters and ulcers: A potential indicator of cancer
White patches or skin thinning on the penis may be a sign of lichen sclerosus, a condition that affects about 10 per cent of men between 30 and 50 years old.
This can lead to painful intercourse, scarring, and irritated skin. More alarmingly, lumps, rashes, or blisters could signal a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus (HPV).
While some STIs like syphilis cause painless sores, others like herpes result in painful blisters. HPV can lead to genital warts and is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of cervical cancer in women.
Moreover, blisters and ulcers that change in size or shape or exhibit discolouration could be warning signs of penile cancer, a rare but potentially deadly disease if not detected early.
2. Changes in fluids during sex
A decrease in ejaculate volume or weakened ejaculation can be more than just a sign of aging.
If these changes occur before the age of 45, they may indicate lower testosterone levels or other health issues.
Factors such as dehydration or excessive pornography consumption can also affect ejaculate volume.
Dr White suggested that men experiencing these symptoms seek medical advice, as blood tests and potential treatments like testosterone injections may be necessary.
He attributed this to weakened pelvic floor muscles and suggested increasing exercise, such as squats and crunches, to strengthen them.
3. Unpleasant odour: A sign of poor hygiene
An unpleasant smell in the genital area is often due to a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria, which can occur with inadequate hygiene.
This impacts both circumcised and uncircumcised men.
This issue can lead to a yeast infection called balanitis, characterised by redness and swelling of the foreskin.
Regular washing with warm water and soap is recommended to prevent such infections, but overwashing can also cause skin irritations.
4. Urination frequency and flow
Doctors advise that the average man should urinate six to seven times daily. However, surveys suggest that three-quarters of men fall short of this due to dehydration.
Dr White warned that infrequent urination can increase the risk of kidney problems, including kidney stones, which require painful operations to remove.
Approximately 11 per cent of men and six per cent of women experience kidney stones at least once in their lives.
A weaker urine stream may indicate weakened pelvic floor muscles, making it harder to expel urine.
Dr White also highlighted that increased urination frequency could signal diabetes, as the body uses urine to expel excess glucose.
For older men, frequent urination might be due to an enlarged prostate pressing on the bladder. To avoid dehydration, doctors recommend men drink 15 cups of water daily.
5. A new bend in the penis
According to Dr White, some curvature of the penis is normal. However, a pronounced curve, such as one approaching a right angle, may indicate Peyronie's disease.
This condition occurs when scar tissue forms in the penis, preventing it from expanding uniformly during an erection and resulting in a curve.
It often arises from injuries to the penis, such as those sustained during sports or vigorous sex.
Dr White noted that Peyronie's disease can hinder sexual activity and impact self-image, causing some men to struggle with maintaining an erection.
Many doctors recommend traction therapy, which involves wearing a device that helps correct the curvature to treat this condition.
As men navigate the complexities of their sexual health, it's essential to heed warning signs that could indicate underlying issues with penile health.
Dr White's insights shed light on various concerns that warrant attention and proactive management to safeguard overall well-being.
However, sexual health isn't just about physical symptoms; it also encompasses broader aspects of intimate relationships and well-being.
In a related vein, another health expert issues a cautionary note regarding a surprising yet significant mistake during sexual activity that could have detrimental effects on health.
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