Burning, pain, leaks, difficult erection… Some symptoms may suggest a prostate problem for which you must consult.
There prostate is a gland that is part of themale reproductive systemlocated under the bladder, in front of the rectum. Its main role is to produce prostatic fluidrich in enzymes, proteins and minerals that help protect and nourish sperm. From 45-50 years old, it is advisable to do monitor your prostate and to consult your doctor in case of abnormal sign. Pain, urinary leakage, burning, erection difficulties… These are all symptoms that may indicate a prostate problem. Explanations with Pr Aurel Messas, surgeon-urologist at the American Hospital of Paris.
1. A slow, jerky stream of urine
A frequent need to urinate (medically called pollakiuria), especially when it happens at night, can indicate a problem with the prostate. “prostate adenoma (or benign prostatic hypertrophy), a benign tumor which corresponds to the increase in volume of the prostate, may have impact on urinary functionwhich will generate urinary disorders and discomfort (frequent need to urinate with small amounts of urine each time, weak urinary stream or need to “push” to urinate, feeling of not having completely emptied the bladder, editor’s note), indicates Professor Messas. This is a fairly common disease. Among men aged 50 and over, almost 80% of them anatomically have an adenoma. But not everyone will have problems or symptoms related to this prostate adenoma. Also, one in two patients will need drug treatment to resolve their urinary problems.“. In case of urinary disorders, it is advisable to consult your general practitioner or one urologist, specialist in urinary and genital disorders in men, in order to carry out a clinical examination or complementary examinations useful for diagnosis.
2. Erection problems
Erection problems (erectile dysfunction more or less important) can sometimes be associated with a prostate adenoma. But it is far from systematic. “As soon as we talk about the prostate, in the patient appears the fear
that the treatments could affect his sexuality, therefore his ability to have erections and therefore a fulfilling sexuality. However, as a reminder, currently we are coming to avoid in the vast majority of cases these disorders“, wishes to reassure Professor Messas. Important to know: prostate cancer does not generally cause erection problems.
3. Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence (urinary leakage) may be due to an adenoma of the prostate. Indeed, an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra and lead to leakage. Nevertheless, “If a patient has urinary problems, there is very little chance that it is linked to cancer. Indeed, It’s starting to become quite rare in France to discover cancer at the stage where it causes urinary problems. This is thanks to cancer screening by PSA blood sampling. It detects cancer years before it causes any symptoms.” We explains Professor Messas.
4. Burning when urinating
A burning sensation in the lower abdomen or when urinating may be a sign ofprostatitis, which corresponds to a painful inflammation of the prostate which may be linked to a bacterial infection. You should talk to your doctor about it right away.
5. Pelvic pain
In the same way, pain felt in the pelvic area (area between the scrotum and anus) or in the lumbar region, penis or testicles may be indicative ofprostatitis. This pain can be characterized by painful urination, discomfort in the genitals, or a feeling of pressure in the rectum. A prostatitis must be the subject of a consultation with a doctor who can prescribe medication (in addition to antibiotics if the prostatitis is of bacterial origin) to relieve pain.
6. Blood-tinged urine
The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria in medical language) can be indicative ofprostatitis or prostate adenoma (more rarely). If you should not be alarmed in the majority of cases, bloody urine, whether occasional or repeated, is not harmless. If there is blood in the urine, you shouldTalk to your GP or urologist who will be able to perform a urine analysis, imaging of the urinary system to visualize the kidneys and ureters and, if necessary, a cystoscopy, a medical examination to study the internal wall of the bladder in order to detect any anomalies.
Thanks to Pr Aurel Messas, surgeon-urologist at the American Hospital of Paris. Comments collected during the webinar dedicated to the prostate on February 10, 2023.