Erectile Dysfunction And 4 Other Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on May 08, 2020

5 Signs You Should Look Out For

Movember is our yearly reminder that men’s health matters. From mental health and suicide prevention to common male cancers and colon and prostate cancer, the month of November gives us all a moment to pause and think about our own health and the health of our loved ones. 

But the warning signs of prostate cancer don’t only appear in the eleventh month — that’s why we need to be vigilant all year round. The American Cancer Society recommends getting yearly prostate exams starting at age 50. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends starting earlier if you’re at higher risk of developing prostate cancer or it runs in your family. 

No matter how old you are, you should know all of the warning signs of prostate cancer. Here are the top 5. 

Read more: All You Need To Know About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

1- Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation

Although a painful or burning sensation isn’t always a sign of prostate cancer, it’s almost always a sign that you need to get checked out. If you notice pain in your penis after going to the bathroom, masturbating, or having sex, you should go see your doctor as soon as possible. 

2- Frequent urination at night and throughout the day

Your prostate is located right next to your bladder and is connected to your urethra. That’s why if something is wrong — like cancer — it can cause irritation that will make you pee more than usual. This can happen throughout the day, but it is usually most noticeable at night. 

3- Hard time stopping or starting urination

When the prostate becomes enlarged due to a tumour or other issues, it can pinch the urethra and make urination more difficult. This can take the form of difficulty stopping once you’ve already started, or getting started in the first place. 

4- Sudden Erectile Dysfunction

The nerves and tissues that are required to get and keep an erection are sensitive and easily disrupted. So if a cancerous tumour develops and pushes against these nerves, it can cause erectile dysfunction. It usually happens suddenly though — as opposed to ED you’ve been noticing for a while. 

5- Blood in semen or urine

Blood in your urine or semen is usually associated with kidney issues, but it can also be a warning sign that you’ve got prostate cancer. If you’ve noticed traces of blood when urinating or ejaculating, seek medical attention. 

Experiencing any of these warning signs can be scary. But the important thing is to be aware of the signs and seek help if you experience any of them. Prostate cancer is a treatable form of cancer — especially if treated early. 

So take care of yourself and the men in your life by making sure they’re aware of all the possible warning signs for prostate cancer.