Prostate health checks can help identify men at increased risk of prostate cancer, while knowing what changes to look for in your chest, bowel habits, mood or energy can flag other issues. Learn about common men’s health concerns and their symptoms.
At Welbeck, we support our patients to be proactive about their health. That’s why we offer a prostate health check not just during Movember, but year-round. Prostate health checks can help identify men who may be at increased risk of prostate cancer, as well as assess symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, allowing further investigation where appropriate.
‘A lot of men are anxious about seeing a urologist, as they perceive there to be unpleasant investigations as part of the visit. This is not necessarily true, and I would suggest to people that they book a consultation, come along, have a chat, and hear about what’s involved. It may be as simple as a conversation and, if appropriate, a blood test. Getting these things checked out proactively can help us to identify disease at an early stage and enable us to offer treatment with better outcomes,’ explains Mr Gidon Ellis, consultant urological surgeon at Welbeck.
These proactive prostate check-ups can be valuable, but with 1 in 5 men having not visited their GP in over 5 years, it’s important to know as much as possible about your overall health. Because while your prostate health plays a huge part, your physical and mental wellbeing comes down to so much more.
Let’s look at some of the most common men’s health concerns and the changes to look out for.
Chest pain has many possible causes and is not always related to the heart. However, new or unexplained chest discomfort should never be ignored. It can sometimes be a sign of underlying cardiovascular disease. ‘Subtle chest discomfort may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning, rather than severe pain,’ says consultant cardiologist Dr Iqbal Malik, who works out of our state-of-the-art Heart Health centre.
Shortness of breath can also easily be shrugged off as tiredness at the end of a busy week. But if you find it hard to get a full breath or you’re exhausted during exertion, seek advice. The same goes for persistent heartburn after exercising.
Chest pain, particularly when accompanied by sweating, nausea, breathlessness or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, may indicate a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention. Call 999.
A shift in your bowel movements isn’t always a sign of a significant health problem, such as bowel cancer. However, bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the UK, so it’s important to stay vigilant. ‘The three symptoms men most often ignore are blood in the stool, a change in bowel habit, or persistent fatigue,’ says consultant gastroenterologist Dr Adam Haycock. To be on the safe side, seek advice if you have any bowel changes or problems. Blood in your stool should always be investigated, particularly if it’s persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Urinary and bladder changes are often written off as a normal part of ageing in men. But they could be down to an underlying condition that could easily be managed, or that needs to be treated.
‘A slower stream, needing to pass urine more frequently or urgently – especially at night – or feeling as if the bladder isn’t fully emptying aren’t things you have to put up with,’ says Mr Ellis. If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor.
‘Men are notoriously late to act on genital symptoms and only 10% have heard of penile cancer and its symptoms’, says consultant urological surgeon and andrologist Professor Asif Muneer. Get into the habit of checking your testicles once a month so you become familiar with what is normal for you, including their usual size, shape, and consistency. Look out for any new lumps, swelling, changes in size or persistent discomfort, and seek medical advice if you notice anything unusual.
And if you have any problems getting or maintaining erections, speak to your doctor. ‘Don’t be shy about discussing erectile dysfunction. It could point to cardiovascular disease,’ adds Dr Malik. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early indicator of underlying cardiovascular disease, so getting it checked out is important
Tiredness and fatigue can feel like they’re just a normal part of life, but you should never underestimate what your energy levels are telling you. ‘It’s worth considering whether there’s a medically reversible cause, such as anaemia, thyroid dysfunction, or obstructive sleep apnoea,’ says consultant endocrinologist Professor Maralyn Druce, who carries out male hormone testing in our cutting-edge Endocrinology centre.
Your mood holds critical information about what’s going on both in your brain and your body. Try to practise tuning in to your mood to see what it could be telling you.
‘Suicide is a leading cause of death among young men,’ says Druce. ‘Breaking the stigma, seeking help early, and building strong social connections are all important protective things to do.’
At Welbeck, we know just how important preventative healthcare and early detection can be for ensuring the best outcomes for our male patients. We run a Men’s Health check service in our purpose-built Men’s Health centre, where leading urologists, andrologists, and sexual and reproductive health specialists provide comprehensive care tailored to your stage of life.
Our specialists go through your medical history, medications, and family history before measuring your body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure during a consultation.
Based on your individual circumstances, your specialist may arrange blood and urine tests to assess various aspects of your health. These may include a full blood count, kidney and liver function, PSA, cholesterol, glucose and HbA1c (for diabetes), as well as testosterone where appropriate.
Depending on the findings of your initial consultation and blood and urine tests, your specialist may recommend further investigations where clinically appropriate. These may include an ultrasound scan or urine flow rate test to assess the urinary tract, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the electrical activity of your heart. If indicated, an echocardiogram (echo) may also be arranged to assess the structure and function of the heart and identify any underlying cardiac conditions.
Your specialist may also discuss bowel cancer screening and advise on appropriate investigations, depending on your age, symptoms and family history.
The frequency of health checks will depend on your age, medical history and individual risk factors. Your specialist can advise you on an appropriate follow-up schedule. And remember, you don’t need to have symptoms to see one of our men’s health specialists. Being proactive about your health can not only ease any worries but also identify conditions in their early stages.
Allow the team at Welbeck to explain the difference between the two so you can evaluate whether you need to see one of our experienced urologists or men’s health specialist consultants.
At Welbeck, we believe that Men’s health isn't just about treating illnesses, but also preventing them. From urological health to mental wellness, we offer comprehensive services that empower men to live longer, healthier lives.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, affecting around 1 in 8 during their lifetime. It’s also more common in men over fifty, those with a family history of prostate cancer, and those of African or Caribbean heritage.
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