The prostate, or prostatic gland, is part of the male reproductive system, made up of fibrous and muscular tissue. Its main function is to produce and store seminal fluid, an essential component of sperm, which is released during ejaculation. As men age, this organ may be affected by various conditions that can significantly impact their quality of life. The main prostate conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
It’s important to have regular check-ups and never skip preventive appointments. It is also crucial not to ignore certain warning signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem. Without causing alarm, it’s advisable to consult a specialist. We discussed this with Dr. Antonio Carbone, a specialist surgeon in urology at Paideia International Hospital.
What warning signs should men pay attention to that may prompt a specialist consultation?
Symptoms typically begin after age 40: increased frequency and urgency to urinate, reduced urinary stream strength, sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, nighttime awakenings to urinate, and dribbling at the end of urination. These are usually mild but are early warning signs of benign prostate enlargement, indicating the need for an initial urological consultation.
An important indicator is the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, recommended from age 45. A progressive or above-threshold increase in PSA levels requires urological evaluation, potentially involving additional imaging studies if prostate cancer is suspected (prostate MRI). This should be done cautiously but attentively.
What about the sign of blood in the urine? Is this concerning?
Blood in the urine should NEVER be ignored. Whether it’s visibly present or detected in a urine test, it requires urgent urological evaluation. Similarly, blood in the seminal fluid should never be disregarded. Both blood in urine and seminal fluid can be warning signs of malignant or infectious diseases of the urogenital system.
Antonio Carbone
Specialist Surgeon in Urology
Paideia International Hospital
