A top urological surgeon has issued a vital health warning to men across the UK, outlining a simple five-point "M.O.T." for their penis that takes just minutes and could be life-saving.
Consultant Urological Surgeon Shafi Wardak, of The Forbury Clinic, is urging men to adopt a more proactive stance towards their penile health. He stresses that subtle changes can be early indicators of serious problems, ranging from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to prostate cancer.
The Critical Importance of Early Detection
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men in their lifetime, with approximately 55,300 new diagnoses in the UK every year. Tragically, around 12,000 men die from the disease annually. The survival rate starkly illustrates why early action is crucial: at stage 1, patients have a near 100% chance of survival, but this plummets to just a 50% five-year survival rate by stage 4.
Medical professionals often call the penis the "barometer" of a man's overall health. This is due to its complex network of blood vessels, nerves, and connections to pelvic muscles. Issues with the heart or metabolic system, such as diabetes, can manifest as erectile dysfunction or urinary problems.
With this in mind, Mr Wardak has detailed the five key areas men should monitor.
1. Monitor Changes in Urination
Any shift in your usual pattern should prompt a visit to your GP. This includes needing to go more or less often, a change in urine colour, or a weaker stream.
Frequent urination, especially with a burning sensation, can signal a UTI, which often requires antibiotics. It may also point to an overactive bladder or prostate issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement common in older men. It can even be a symptom of diabetes, as the body tries to flush out excess glucose.
Urinating less often can indicate dehydration or, more seriously, a urinary tract obstruction or kidney problems. A weak or interrupted stream is commonly linked to prostate issues, including BPH or cancer, or a narrowing of the urethra known as a stricture.
Regarding colour: dark urine often means dehydration, but dark brown could suggest liver issues. Red or pink urine, indicating blood, requires immediate investigation for causes like infections, kidney stones, or cancers of the bladder or kidney.
2. Check for Skin Changes
Regularly inspect the penile skin for rashes, lumps, blisters, ulcers, white patches, scaling, cracking, or discolouration.
A rash might be a simple fungal infection or contact dermatitis from soaps. Persistent rashes need a doctor's review. Blisters that form painful ulcers are often a sign of genital herpes, a common STI. Painless ulcers, however, may indicate syphilis, which is curable with antibiotics but dangerous if untreated.
White patches could be lichen sclerosis, a chronic condition that can lead to scarring and a tightened foreskin (phimosis). The British Association of Urological Surgeons notes this tight foreskin can, in rare cases, encourage penile tumours, though not in men circumcised in childhood. Scaling may point to psoriasis or eczema.
3. Be Aware of Penile Curvature
Some curvature during an erection is normal, but a significant bend could be Peyronie's disease, where scar tissue causes excessive bending, discomfort, and self-image issues. An estimated 3-10% of UK men have it, with highest rates in over-60s.
Other signs include a firm lump on the shaft, pain, changes in size, or erectile difficulties. Lifestyle measures like maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can help manage the condition. Treatments range from medication to surgery for severe cases.
4. Note Any Unusual Odour
A persistent penile odour often points to inadequate hygiene or an infection like balanitis, an inflammation common in uncircumcised men. Symptoms include pain urinating, discharge, smell, and difficulty retracting the foreskin.
Causes include yeast or bacterial infections, STIs, poor hygiene, harsh soaps, or diabetes. Regular washing with mild soap and wearing breathable cotton underwear are key preventative steps.
5. Watch for Weak or Reduced Ejaculations
A noticeable decrease in ejaculate volume or force can be a sign of underlying health issues. Volume reduction can occur with age but may also indicate low testosterone, dehydration, ejaculatory duct blockages, or chronic conditions like diabetes.
A weaker force can result from weakened pelvic floor muscles due to ageing or lack of exercise. Strengthening these muscles through specific exercises (like Kegels) can help improve the condition, alongside lifestyle changes, medication, or therapy.
Mr Wardak's final message is clear: spending a few minutes on these simple checks could lead to early diagnosis of serious conditions, ultimately saving lives and preserving long-term health and wellbeing.
