The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that is located underneath the bladder. It surrounds the upper portion of the urethra, a tube that transports urine from the bladder. The prostate plays a very important part in the reproductive system of men, as it produces the majority of the semen, which carries sperm, which is vital for reproduction.
Prostate cancer is a serious health condition. Next to skin cancer, this is the most common type of cancer that affects American men; however, in other parts of the world, such as Latin America and Africa, prostate cancer is very uncommon.
Prostate cancer tends to grow very slowly and often, no symptoms are associated with it until it has reached an advanced state; however, many men overlook them and do not receive the medical treatment they need. Here’s a look at 13 symptoms that can be an indication of prostate cancer.
1. An increased need to urinate
One of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer is an increased need to urinate. Not only do you feel like you have to urinate more often, but you may also experience a heightened sense of urgency when the need to urinate does arise. The increased need to urinate and the heightened sense of urgency is often more intense during nighttime hours, which makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Since the prostate is located near the nerves that control bladder function, if it becomes enlarged or a tumor is present in it, it can cause an increased need to urinate. This can make you feel like you have to urinate more frequently and quickly. Though an increased need to use the bathroom can be a symptom that is associated with several conditions, it’s one of the most common signs of prostate cancer.
