Self Assessment
Do I Have a Prostate Problem?
Greg hadn't felt quite right for several weeks. One day while urinating, the young electrician noticed a slight burning sensation. In time, the sensation became increasingly intense. Soon Greg began to notice a constant dull aching on the underside of his penis.
A close friend suggested Greg should see a urologist. The problem was quickly identified: an easily treatable prostate infection.
Mel noticed he was wetting his underwear after urinating. He tried to be more careful, but to no avail. His wife pointed out that the 45-year-old computer programmer was getting up four or five times a night to go to the bathroom. She was worried, because frequent urination is a diabetes symptom.
After some urging on her part, Mel made a rare visit to his physician, a specialist in family practice. After examination, he was referred to a urologist, where BPH, an enlarged prostate, was confirmed and a suitable treatment program was begun.
Arnold, on the other hand, never had any symptoms. But he was lucky. A slight bump on the surface of his prostate was discovered during his routine annual physical. Fortunately, his prostate cancer was detected early, greatly improving his chances for successful treatment.
Prostate Symptoms
As Arnold's case demonstrates, there is no substitute for an annual examination of the prostate by a physician. However, there is an important role for self-diagnosis, too. The symptoms checklist in this chapter will help readers detect many prostate problems. The list is based on questionnaire data I request from all my new patients. The description of these symptoms indicates the importance of seeking professional medical advice.
When You Have Pain or Discomfort
Pain is your body's early warning system. Pain in the region of your prostate will often alert you to a prostate problem.
A burning sensation when you urinate can indicate prostate infection. Typically, the sensation is felt in the center of the penis along the urethra, the channel that carries urine and seminal fluid. Sometimes with infection, a dull, less intense pain can be felt on the underside of the penis, especially where the penis protrudes from the body. If that pain persists more than a few days, you should see a doctor.
