When it comes to penis health, most of the attention is focused on being able to rise to the occasion.
Erection problems can be more serious than a bad night in bed – including signs of fat buildup in blood vessels, heart disease and high blood pressure.
But there are many other overlooked changes in the Willy that could indicate problems elsewhere in the body.
Experts say you should track changes in urination, skin, smell, ejaculations and even curvature.
Here’s what to look for and what it could mean.
Annoying leaks
Shafi Wardak, consultant urological surgeon and andrologist at the Forbury Clinic, told The Sun that changes in the frequency, force of the stream and color of urine could “indicate underlying health problems such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), prostate problems or metabolic disorders such as diabetes”.
Needing to urinate more often may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (especially when accompanied by a burning sensation), an overactive bladder, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH occurs when the prostate is enlarged, compressing or blocking the urethra, causing the bladder to work harder to urinate. A weak flow could also be a sign of this or indicate something more serious, such as prostate cancer or an injury or infection of the urethra.
If you leak when you cough, exercise, laugh, or lift something heavy, this may also indicate prostate problems.
Having to urinate more often is also a characteristic of diabetes. Blood sugar rises and the body works to eliminate the extra sugar through urine by extracting water from body tissues.
Less pee and dark urine can be a sign of dehydration or kidney problems, including kidney stones or even bladder or kidney cancer.
Save your own skin
Don’t wait if you notice any changes to the skin of your penis.
“Even small differences in texture, color or appearance, like rashes, bumps or spots, require special attention,” Wardak said. “While some changes may be minor irritations or reactions, others could signal fungal infections or conditions such as eczema.”
Rashes can range from a fungal infection to an allergic reaction to soaps or lotions. The bumps could be genital warts caused by HPV, a molluscum contagiosum viral infection, or even penile cancer, especially if the bumps change size or shape.
Blisters and ulcers are common with genital herpes, while painless ulcers are a sign of syphilis, both STIs.
White spots may indicate lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory disease. Scaling a fissure can indicate psoriasis or eczema, also chronic inflammatory diseases.
Other ways things go wrong
If your erection feels or feels different, that’s something to note. A curved, painful erection could be a sign of Peyronie’s disease, where scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis. This can be treated with medication and, in more severe cases, surgery.
Odors must also be taken into account. This could be a condition such as balantitis, swelling of the head of the penis, or simply a sign that you could do more to clean yourself.
“Regular washing with mild soap and water is crucial to maintaining good penile hygiene and preventing odor,” Wardak said. “Plus, wearing clean, breathable underwear made from natural fibers can help reduce moisture and bacterial growth.”
And changes in ejaculation can also be a sign that something is wrong. A decrease in volume could be a sign of low testosterone, dehydration due to diabetes, or blocked ducts. Low strength could indicate a lack of exercise and pelvic floor problems.
Takeaway meals? Don’t let your worry about doing it keep you from noticing when something else is wrong.
Gn Health
