- “I didn’t know I had prostate cancer!” It’s a phrase often repeated by men who have been diagnosed with the disease. Truly, the signs and symptoms of this disease that is expected to strike nearly a quarter million American men this year are not always apparent. However, you and your partner can be diligent in paying attention to any of the following unusual warning signs.

Blood in the Urine

Prostate cancer can cause blood to be present in the urine stream of otherwise healthy men. If you discover any pink discoloration in your urine, it will behoove you to have it checked out as soon as you can. Though there are other causes of blood in the urine (such as the presence of kidney stones), you’ll definitely want to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Erectile Dysfunction

Many men think that occasional impotence is nothing to be concerned about. Or they simply assume they have “ED” (as popularized by Bob Dole in the late 1990s/early 2000s television commercials) and assume the answer is Viagra or a similar medication. What they don’t realize is that trouble maintaining or getting an erection can be an early warning sign of prostate cancer. Though many males feel embarrassment if they cannot perform sexually, they should always talk with their family physicians about this medical problem.

Loss of Bowel (or Bladder) Control

It’s embarrassing and difficult when you have little control over your bowels or bladder. It can also be a warning sign of prostate cancer. Again, if you discover that you’re having trouble in this arena, don’t ignore the problem (even if it only happens once in a while.) After all, it’s better to know than to catch your prostate cancer in a later stage when treatment options are limited.

Above all else, you need to pay attention to your body’s signals and the possible prostate cancer signs and symptoms. If something is amiss, it’s critical that you address your medical concerns quickly and efficiently. And, of course, never be afraid to get a second opinion. Many lives have been saved when patients “shop around”.

Other Prostate Sites

• Is it possible to have kidney stones, but not have any evidence of them in a urine sample or an ultrasound?
• Prostate Enlargement? | TheHealthCareArticles.com
• Bob Dole is a Communist. « beebsblog