Men's Health: Five symptoms that often go unnoticed and could indicate serious illnesses

According to the Clínica del Country, men generally consult their doctors less than women. This tendency, combined with some symptoms, could delay the timely diagnosis of serious illnesses in this population.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory, more than 16,000 new cases of prostate cancer were recorded in Colombia in 2022 , making it one of the most common health problems in this population.

Although patients sometimes consider their symptoms normal and do not require attention or treatment, it is crucial to pay attention to minor changes, whether in sleep or urination.

Here are some signs to look out for:

Almost everyone snores from time to time, but for some patients this can be a chronic problem and even indicate a serious illness.

Sometimes this sign can be associated with a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea , but it should be noted that not all people who snore have this condition.

If snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea, you may experience other complications, according to the Mayo Clinic, such as:

The Clínica del Country notes that cardiovascular disease is not only the leading cause of death in Colombia, but also affects more men than women.

Chest pain can be a sign that something isn't right. The Mayo Clinic indicates that the most life-threatening causes affect the heart and lungs.

Some heart-related causes that can cause this pain are:

But there are also other conditions related to the lungs, muscles, bones, and diseases or disorders of the digestive system. It's essential to see a doctor if the pain persists to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection , and while experiencing this type of problem isn't always a cause for concern, it can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition.

When should you see a doctor? The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor if you're concerned about sexual problems or have diabetes or heart disease that may be associated with this symptom.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

Clínica Country explains that testicular cancer is the most common type in young men, between the ages of 20 and 40. "Regular self-examination can help identify any abnormalities and address them early. With early diagnosis, the survival rate for testicular cancer exceeds 95 percent," the organization states.

The Mayo Clinic explains that the first sign of this disease is usually a lump or bump in a testicle. "Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it spreads to other parts of the body," it explains.

Some symptoms to look out for include:

The specialized portal MedlinePlus explains that difficulty starting or maintaining urination is more common in older men affected by an enlarged prostate gland.

Almost all older men experience some problem with dribbling, starting urine, or a weak urinary stream. Another common cause is a prostate infection. Some symptoms include: