Symptoms Men Should Not Ignore

We expect our various organs to perform well from day to day. For the most part, they do, though they may surprise us from time to time with unexplained symptoms. With age, many men come to realize that they may live with occasional difficulty keeping an erection or with slower urinary flow. Overall, the effects of aging are normal and workable. However, there are certain symptoms a man should recognize as abnormal so he can obtain the care he needs to restore health.

Symptoms to Take to The Doctor

• Painful sex. There are several potential reasons why sex can be painful for a man. Perhaps the penis rubs up against a partner’s IUD (intrauterine device). Uncircumcised men may experience a minor tear in the skin during sex. Pain may also indicate a curve in the penis or, in some cases, penile fracture, though this is rare. In any case, if painful sex is the norm, it deserves some exploration with a medical professional.
• Poor erections. Many men expect some degree of erectile dysfunction as they age. All cases of erectile dysfunction should be examined. However, if it becomes impossible to keep an erection in any circumstance, medical attention is necessary. Erections are one of several biomarkers for heart health so, when things go South, your doctor wants to know why.
• Lumps or bumps. Just as women are encouraged to perform routine breast exams, men can benefit from examining their genitalia from time to time. Most bumps and lumps in the scrotum are benign and easily treatable. Common causes of bums include genital warts, varicocele, spermatocele, hydrocele, and hernia. Painless lumps in the testicles have a small chance of being cancerous and should be evaluated sooner rather than later.
• Testicular pain. Men learn early on that their balls are not supposed to hurt. There is no other pain in the body that is quite like testicular pain. Regardless of intensity, recurring or persistent ball pain should be checked out by a doctor to rule out infection, testicular torsion (twisting), varicocele, or another condition.

UT Urology offers the services you need to stay on track with optimal health and wellness. To schedule a visit to our Chattanooga facility, call (423) 778-5910.