Five crucial health warning signs for men: Expert advice on what to look out for

Dr Peter White, a specialist in men's health, has highlighted five warning signs that men should be vigilant about, as they could indicate serious health issues. As an expert in men's sexual health, Dr White emphasised the importance of recognising common symptoms and understanding what they might suggest, including potential problems with penile health.

He cautioned men to be aware of changes in their skin, urine, and ejaculation, stressing that being proactive about sexual health is vital for overall wellbeing. In addition to obvious signs such as pain, swelling or discharge, there are more subtle indicators that can hint at underlying health issues that men may not even realise they have.

Dr White stated: "It's important to remember that penile health is not just about physical appearance; it's a reflection of overall wellbeing. Everyone is unique in appearance, but identifying and tackling problems and issues early is crucial.

"It's also crucial to prioritise regular exercise, manage stress effectively, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking. Engaging in consistent physical activity not only improves cardiovascular function and enhances blood flow, crucial for penile arousal and performance, but also supports hormonal balance, including testosterone levels, which are essential for maintaining a healthy sex drive."

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Curvature

While a certain degree of penile curvature is normal, in some cases it can be a sign of Peyronie's disease. This condition involves the formation of scar tissue, known as plaque, under the skin of the penis, leading to excessive bending during erection.

Lifestyle changes are key to managing Peyronie's disease and maintaining penile health.

Such changes might include keeping a healthy weight, following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and participating in regular physical activity. Moreover, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake can contribute to overall well-being.

Changes in urine

It's important to keep an eye out for any changes in your urination habits. This could range from how often you need to go to the toilet, the volume of urine you pass, and its colour.

These changes could signal underlying health issues, such as urinary tract infections, prostate problems, or metabolic disorders like diabetes. They act as vital warning signs, encouraging individuals to seek medical advice and treatment.

Increased frequency of urination - If you find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, this could be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly if it's accompanied by a burning sensation. It could also suggest an overactive bladder or prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Furthermore, frequent urination can be a sign of diabetes, as the body tries to get rid of excess glucose through the urine.

Decreased urination frequency - Urinating less often could be a sign of dehydration. It might also suggest a blockage in the urinary tract or serious kidney problems where the kidneys aren't effectively filtering urine.

Weak urine stream - A weak or interrupted flow of urine can be linked to prostate issues, such as BPH or prostate cancer, which can obstruct the urine flow. Urethral strictures, which are a narrowing of the urethra due to injury or infection, can also result in a weak stream.

Changes in urine colour - Dark urine often indicates dehydration, but it can also signal liver problems if the urine is dark brown. Red or pink urine may indicate the presence of blood, which could be caused by a range of issues, including infections, kidney stones, or more severe conditions like bladder or kidney cancer.

Abnormalities on the skin

Dr White cautions that any changes to the skin on or around the penis should be taken seriously, regardless of their size. Even minor differences in texture, colour, or appearance, such as rashes, bumps, or spots, should be noted.

While some changes might just be minor irritations or reactions, others could indicate fungal infections. You should be vigilant for:.

Rashes - A rash on the penis can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a fungal infection or contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to soaps or lotions). If a persistent rash does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Bumps and lumps - The significance of bumps on the penis can vary. Small, flesh-coloured bumps could be pearly penile papules, which are harmless.

However, bumps could also indicate genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), molluscum contagiosum (a viral infection), or more serious conditions like penile cancer, especially if the bumps change in size or shape.

Blisters and ulcers - Blisters that burst and form painful ulcers are often a sign of genital herpes. Painless ulcers, however, may indicate syphilis.

These conditions require medical evaluation and treatment.

White patches - White patches on the penile skin could indicate lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition that causes thin, white patches which can be very itchy. If left untreated, this condition can lead to scarring and phimosis (tightening of the foreskin).

Scaling and cracking - Dry, scaly skin that cracks could be a symptom of psoriasis or eczema. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and may require specific treatments to manage.

Discolouration - Any sudden or unexplained discolouration, such as dark or light patches, should be noted. While some discoloration can be benign, it can also indicate skin conditions or infections.

Smell

A persistent penile odour can be worrying and may indicate underlying issues such as inadequate hygiene or infections like balanitis, when the head of the penis becomes swollen and sore. Regular washing with mild soap and water is crucial for maintaining good penile hygiene and preventing odour.

Additionally, wearing clean, breathable underwear made of natural fibres can help reduce moisture and bacterial growth.

Weak or reduced ejaculations

Weak or reduced ejaculations, where there is a noticeable decrease in the volume or force of ejaculation, can be a sign of underlying health issues. Here are some signs to keep in mind:.

Decreased ejaculate volume - A reduction in ejaculate volume can be associated with several factors. It can occur naturally with age, but it may also indicate issues such as low testosterone levels, dehydration, or blockage in the ejaculatory ducts.

Chronic conditions like diabetes can also impact ejaculate volume.

A decline in the strength of ejaculation can be attributed to weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can occur due to ageing, lack of exercise, or certain medical conditions. This issue can often be addressed by making lifestyle changes, using medication to improve sexual function, engaging in therapy, or doing exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.