Men’s Health Expert Advice: Key Symptoms Not to Ignore | Liverpool Echo

A men’s health expert has highlighted five warning indicators that men should look out for. Experts point out that these could indicate something serious.

Dr. Peter White, a specialist in men’s sexual health, explained the need to identify common symptoms in men, trans women and non-binary people. In addition, he shared what they might suggest, including possible penile health issues.

The doctor alerted men to watch out for changes in their skin, urine and ejaculation. He advocates being aware and proactive about your sexual health as it is necessary for overall health, reports Wales Online.

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In addition to visible signs such as pain, swelling or discharge, there are also some mild indicators. Sometimes they can suggest underlying health problems that men may not realize they have.

Dr White said: “It’s important to remember that penile health is not just about physical appearance; it is a reflection of general well-being. Each person is unique in appearance, but identifying and addressing issues and problems early is crucial.”

He added: “It is also essential to prioritize regular exercise, manage stress effectively, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. Engaging in regular physical activity not only improves cardiovascular function and improves blood flow, crucial for penile arousal and performance. , but also supports hormonal balance, including testosterone levels, which is essential for maintaining a healthy sex drive.”

1. Curvature

While some degree of penile curvature is normal, excessive bending during erection could be a sign of Peyronie’s disease. This condition is characterized by the formation of scar tissue, known as plaque, under the skin of the penis.

Lifestyle changes are key to managing this condition and maintaining overall penile health. Such changes might involve maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and participating in regular physical activity. In addition, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption can contribute to your overall well-being.

Another aspect to monitor is any change in urination. This can vary from frequency and volume to color.

These changes could signal underlying health problems, such as urinary tract infections, prostate problems, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes. It is important to seek medical advice if you notice these changes.

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

While some changes may simply be minor irritations or reactions, others may indicate fungal infections. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant.

2. Changes in urine

One thing to look out for is changes in the way you urinate. This can be anything from how often (or not) you go to the bathroom, how much you urinate and color.

These may indicate underlying health conditions such as urinary tract infections, prostate problems, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes. These changes serve as critical warning signs, prompting individuals to seek medical evaluation and intervention.

• Increased urinary frequency – If you feel the need to urinate frequently, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection (UTI), especially if it is accompanied by a burning sensation. It can also indicate an overactive bladder or prostate problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In addition, increased urination can be a symptom of diabetes, as the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine.
• Decreased urinary frequency – Urinating less often can be a sign of dehydration. It can also indicate a urinary tract obstruction or serious kidney problems where the kidneys are not filtering urine effectively.
• Poor urine flow – A weak or interrupted urine flow can be associated with prostate problems such as BPH or prostate cancer, which can obstruct the flow of urine. Urethral strictures, which narrow the urethra due to injury or infection, can also cause poor flow.
• Changes in the color of urine – A dark urine color often means you are dehydrated, but it can also signal liver problems if the urine is dark brown. Red or pink urine can suggest the presence of blood, which could be due to a variety of causes, including infections, kidney stones, or more serious conditions such as bladder or kidney cancer.

3. Abnormalities of the skin

Dr. White cautions that any skin changes on or around the penis should be considered and taken seriously, no matter how big or small. Even small differences in texture, color, or appearance, such as rashes, bumps, or spots, should be noted.

While some changes may just be minor irritations or reactions, others could signal fungal infections. You should pay attention to:

• Skin rash – A rash on the penis can have multiple causes, such as a fungal infection or contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction to soaps or lotions) can be common causes. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent rashes that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
• Bumps and lumps – The swellings on the penis can vary in significance. Small, flesh-colored bumps can be penile pearly papules, which are harmless. However, bumps can also indicate genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), molluscum contagiosum (a viral infection), or more serious conditions such as penile cancer, especially if the bumps change in size or shape.
• blisters and ulcers – blisters, which can burst and form painful ulcers, are often a sign of genital herpes. Painless ulcers, on the other hand, may indicate syphilis. These conditions require medical evaluation and treatment.
• White spots – White patches on the skin of the penis could be a sign of lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition that causes thin, white patches that can be very itchy. If left untreated, the condition can lead to scarring and phimosis (tightening of the foreskin).
• Scaling and cracking – Dry, scaly skin that cracks can be a symptom of psoriasis or eczema. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and may require specific treatments to manage them.
• fading – Any sudden or unexplained discoloration, such as dark or light spots, should be considered. While some discoloration may be benign, it can also indicate skin conditions or infections.

4. Smell

A persistent penile odor can be concerning and may indicate underlying problems such as poor hygiene or infections such as balanitis, when the head of the penis becomes swollen and painful. Regular washing with mild soap and water is essential for maintaining good penile hygiene and preventing unpleasant odors.

In addition, wearing clean, breathable underwear made from natural fibers can help reduce moisture and bacterial growth.

5. Weak or reduced ejaculations

Weak or reduced ejaculations, where there is a noticeable decrease in volume or force of ejaculation, can be a sign of underlying health problems. 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 can also indicate problems such as low testosterone levels, dehydration or blocked ejaculatory ducts. Chronic conditions such as diabetes can also affect ejaculate volume.
• Weak ejaculatory force – A decrease in ejaculation force may be due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which may result from aging, lack of exercise or certain medical conditions. It can also often be treated by changing your lifestyle, using medication to improve your sexual function, participating in therapy, or performing exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

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