Prostate cancer is extremely common among men today, and a few symptoms can be extremely common, which you may mistake for other ailments.
According to doctors, frequent urination among men, especially when you have to wake up at nighttime to pee, can be one of the symptoms that needs detailed investigation.
Experts say many men across the world today are being diagnosed with the deadly prostate cancer even before they begin to have symptoms through easily available digital rectal exams, and so is important to be familiar with the possible signs of the debilitating disease. This, doctors say, is also important to know for men who have not undergone screening or are young and have not yet been screened.
Is nighttime urination a sign of prostate cancer?
Nocturia, or frequent nighttime urination, can be a symptom of prostate cancer, especially when accompanied by other urinary issues like a weak stream or painful urination.
Doctors say even though nocturia is common in older men and can stem from various causes, it is important to consult a doctor if you experience significant changes in your urination patterns, which include often waking up to urinate, especially if combined with other urinary symptoms. Statistics say nocturia is a common condition affecting more than 50 per cent of adults after the age of 50 years. It is more common in men and affects up to one in three males over the age of 30 years.
Why should men not ignore nocturia?
Even though there are other reasons why nocturia may happen, doctors say it is important for men to take this one sign very seriously and consult with their doctor. Ignoring it can cause:
Delayed diagnosis
Failure to take it seriously can cause a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer, which can impact treatment outcomes.
Reduced quality of life
Nocturia significantly impacts quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate – a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. Doctors say this tiny gland secretes fluid that mixes with semen, keeping sperm healthy for conception and pregnancy.
Prostate cancer is a very serious yet common disease. According to data, every 100 males, 13 will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
Other signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
Apart from getting up to pee at night, a few other symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Weak urine flow that starts and then stops
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Loss of bladder control
- Loss of bowel control
- Painful ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in semen or pee
- Pain in your low back, hip, or chest
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling exhausted and tired all the time