Less frequent doctor visits are common among males. Many men don’t pay attention to the health warning signs. They might avoid getting checked out annually, refuse to treat symptoms, or put off receiving medical attention until it’s too late. Sometimes waiting around can put someone in harm’s way. The prognosis of many diseases and disorders can be improved with prompt medical attention.
Extreme bleeding, chest pain, or a high temperature all require immediate medical attention. What about additional symptoms, like having to urinate more frequently or struggling while doing so? Perhaps they indicate something more serious is going on. If you feel unwell or have any concerns, you should see a doctor. Here are nine warning signs, ranging from sudden weight loss to altered urination patterns.
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s important to see a doctor right away or get to the nearest emergency room.
1. Black or bloody stools
Different foods and drugs might cause different feces colors on different days. Red feces are a common side effect of consuming beets. Diarrhea drugs like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and iron supplements can have the same effect, turning your feces a temporary black or tarry hue.
The entire brown and green spectrums are considered typical. However, you may have an issue if your feces are black, crimson, or white. This issue may be very significant in some situations.
Bleeding in the upper GI tract may be the cause of black stools. Bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal system can cause stools to be a maroon or bloody color. Your doctor will probably examine you for wounds, ulcers, and bleeding. If your feces are pale in color, it could be an indication of a problem with your liver or bile ducts.
Talk to your doctor right away if the color of your feces or stool changes from normal.
2. Breast size
Breast cancer is not limited to women, despite popular belief. According to the American Cancer Society, 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year (Trustworthy Source). Men in their 60s and 70s make up the vast majority.
If you notice a change in your nipple’s color, texture, or discharge, or if you feel a lump or thickening of tissue in your breast, it’s important to see a doctor. Getting the care you need requires an early diagnosis.
3. Constipation
Constipation is typical from time to time. It’s really prevalent, especially after the age of 50, and it tends to get worse as people get older. However, persistent constipation can be even more distressing. If you suffer from chronic constipation, you may find yourself straining and pushing when nature calls. This increases the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids, which can lead to bleeding and pain in the area of the rectum.
Constipation that persists over a long period of time may also indicate an obstruction in the bowels. Your colon may be blocked due to a polyp, tumor, or twisted intestine. Possible causes of irregular colon motility include underlying conditions. Eliminating potentially life-threatening illnesses, like colon cancer, requires a prompt diagnosis.
4. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not just a sexual performance issue; it can be a warning indicator of cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Stress and despair can also play a role in bringing on ED. Talk to your doctor about possible medications and mental health treatment if you’re having these problems. Doctors see many patients with ED every year. As the saying goes, “time is of the essence” when it comes to solving problems.
5. Excessive snoring
A possible indicator of obstructive sleep apnea is chronic, excessively loud snoring. This syndrome occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and partially block the airway during sleep. As a result, you may have trouble sleeping and breathing. The continual disruptions may cause you to feel tired even after obtaining enough rest.
The increased danger of heart disease, heart failure, and irregular cardiac rhythms has been linked to untreated sleep apnea. An increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity has been associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
6. Frequent heartburn
After indulging in a fatty burger or a large portion of pasta, many people suffer from occasional heartburn. But if you constantly experience heartburn after eating, it’s possible that you have GERD.
The term “acid reflux” is often used to refer to this issue. When you have acid reflux, stomach acid comes up the esophagus in the wrong direction. This stomach acid can damage the tissues of your esophagus, causing discomfort or ulcers if you don’t seek therapy. Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been linked to esophageal cancer.
7. Frequent urination
Diabetic symptoms can include the need to urinate frequently. When you have diabetes, your kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the extra sugar in your blood, which can make you have to go to the bathroom more often. Infrequent urination may also be a symptom of prostate issues. Reduced urine output, pelvic pain, and blood in the urine or sperm are further indicators of prostate issues.
Common among men of a certain age is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostate enlargement. Even if it’s common, you shouldn’t disregard the symptoms because they can be the same as those of something more dangerous. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned signs, please consult your doctor.
8. Shortness of breath
The most well-known symptom of a heart attack is chest discomfort, but there are others. Some people may have warning signs, including shortness of breath with exertion, that could indicate a heart attack is imminent.
One early indicator of cardiac ischemia is having difficulty breathing after a short, simple stroll. When blood flow to the heart is restricted due to a blocked artery, this is known as coronary artery disease. A heart attack may occur if there is a total blockage.
If you’ve been experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
9. Weight loss
Losing weight without intending to do so is cause for concern. The loss of weight for no apparent reason is an early warning symptom of several diseases, including cancer. If you have recently lost weight without changing your diet or activity level, you should consult your doctor.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to take charge of your health and see a doctor. It’s crucial to rule out any significant causes before dismissing them as a normal part of aging or an easily treatable ailment. These signs could point to a major health problem in certain people. The likelihood of a full recovery increases if a condition is diagnosed and treated early.