NEWS

When should you worry about your prostate? The signs you shouldn't ignore

Truth First

80% of prostate problems in men are not cancer. But certain signs definitely warrant a prompt consultation. Here's how to distinguish between legitimate concern and unnecessary panic.

This is normal
(and there's no need to panic).

Needing to urinate more often with age – this is BPH (benign hyperplasia), almost universal after 50 years.
Less powerful urine stream – normal, it slowly worsens over the years.
Getting up 1-2 times during the night to urinate – frequent, especially if you drink late in the day.
A mild sensation of incomplete emptying – often accompanies BPH, nothing dramatic if stable.

The real warning signs: consult quickly

Symptoms that worsen rapidly

Have your urinary problems worsened significantly in a few weeks or months after being stable for years? Consult a doctor in 2-4 weeks . A rapid change suggests a new problem.
Acute urinary retention

Ca n't urinate at all ? Experiencing severe lower abdominal pain? Go to the emergency room immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Blood in the urine

Is your urine noticeably pink or red? Consult a doctor within the week. 90% of the time it's an infection, but it's important to get it checked.
Pain when urinating (Persistent)

Burning or pain lasting more than 2-3 weeks despite antibiotics? Consult a urologist. It could be prostatitis or another condition requiring diagnosis.
Blood in the semen

Visible during ejaculation? Consult in 2-4 weeks. Usually benign (minor inflammation), but should be confirmed with an MRI.
Persistent pelvic or lower back pain

Pain without an obvious cause (no fall, no poor posture), lasting several weeks , especially if associated with urinary symptoms? Consult a doctor for evaluation. Imaging may be recommended.
Erectile dysfunction + Sudden urinary symptoms

Sudden change in erectile function accompanied by a rapid worsening of urinary symptoms? Consult a doctor promptly. Erectile dysfunction alone is probably not cancer. If accompanied by other symptoms, further investigation is needed.
Unexplained weight loss

Have you lost 5-10 kg for no apparent reason (no dieting, no exercise) over several months, accompanied by urinary symptoms? Consult a doctor promptly. This is less common, but suggestive of a general health problem.

Your risk profile: act differently

You are at high risk if:

Age ≥ 50 years (or ≥ 40 with risk factors)
Family history (father, brother who had prostate cancer)
African origin
Previously high PSA
Overweight, sedentary lifestyle

→ The same symptoms warrant a faster consultation for you.

You are at normal risk if:

Age 40-50 with no prior medical history
No family history
PSA previously normal

→ Consult only if symptoms persist or if there are clear changes.

The PSA: what to understand

A high PSA level does not necessarily mean cancer. It can indicate an infection, BPH (benign hyperplasia), or an injury.

A normal PSA level does not guarantee the absence of cancer. Between 10 and 15% of prostate cancers are associated with a falsely low PSA level.

What really matters: The trend. A PSA that increases steadily year after year (going from 3.0 to 3.5 to 4.0) is more concerning than a PSA that remains stable.

Quick Checklist

✓ Symptoms stable for years → normal annual check-up, no cause for alarm
✓ Symptoms worsen rapidly → consult in 2-4 weeks
✓ Urinary retention → emergency room now
✓ Blood in urine/semen → consult within the week
✓ Family history → screening from age 40-45, not 50
✓ Anything changing rapidly + you are at risk → consult promptly

The Essentials

Most prostate symptoms are not cancer. But rapid worsening, retention, bleeding, persistent pain – these warrant a visit to the doctor.

The important thing: Don't ignore the real warning signs. And don't panic either.

Do you need a prostate MRI?

At CID Lausanne , we offer:

Multiparametric MRI: accurate diagnosis
MRI-ultrasound guided biopsy (UroNav): if necessary. Expertise since 2013: 7,000 examinations performed