Although urinary symptoms are common, they could be a warning sign of a more serious health condition, Australian scientists said in a recent study.
Men have a significantly shorter life expectancy than women, largely due to higher rates of preventable diseases such as heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes, up to 40% of which could be prevented, the study authors said.
They pointed to recent studies showing that common symptoms such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may be warning signs to spot patients at risk for these conditions.
LUTS includes waking up at night to urinate (nocturia) as well as a range of urinary problems, from incontinence to difficulty urinating.
Professor Gary Whittart, who co-led the study from the University of Adelaide, said in a statement that erectile dysfunction and nocturia could be indicative of coexisting heart disease and an increased risk of heart attack.
“(ED and nocturia) are bothersome symptoms that damage self-esteem and reduce quality of life,” he said. “Night urination can cause sleep problems, and erectile dysfunction can negatively impact intimate relationships.”
“By addressing these symptoms, healthcare professionals can better identify and treat underlying cardiometabolic issues earlier, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality in men.”
Stock image of a doctor using a stethoscope to listen to a man's heart. Recent studies have shown that heart disease and heart attacks are associated with erectile dysfunction and urinary problems in men. Stock image of a doctor using a stethoscope to listen to a man's heart. Recent studies have shown that heart disease and heart attacks are associated with erectile dysfunction and urinary problems in men. wutwhanfoto/Getty Images
Rates of ED vary around the world, but it's estimated that 20.7% of North American men suffer from the condition. A 2022 British study found that of men with ED studied, more than 70% also had at least one chronic health problem.
The prevalence of LUTS varies by age: a 2018 study estimated that a quarter of men in their 50s and about 90% of men in their 70s experience some urinary symptoms.
“We want GPs to routinely ask about these symptoms, but it's also really important that men understand the importance of these issues and seek help when they notice them,” said Sam Tafari, another leader of the study.
“If men don't understand the significance of their symptoms, they may choose to take a wait-and-see approach.”
The study suggests that younger men tend to avoid treatment for ED because they believe it may go away on its own. In contrast, older men tend to accept ED as a natural part of aging.
But the researchers of the latest study said they hope to use these symptoms as a gateway to get men involved in health care by raising public awareness of what these symptoms mean and encouraging health care professionals to ask about them during appointments.
“Failure to seek or receive appropriate care means missed opportunities to prevent, diagnose and treat chronic diseases,” Wittert said.
“We encourage GPs to ask their male patients if they have erectile dysfunction or nocturia and respond accordingly.”
“Experts say men bear a disproportionate burden of chronic disease and have worse prognoses for most chronic conditions than men.”
“Regularly asking about erectile function and nocturia provides an opportunity to improve quality of life and reduce health risks.”
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reference
Tafari, S., Jesudason, D., Wittert, GA (2024). “Before you die”—Considering genitourinary symptoms as indicators of the presence or risk of chronic diseases in men. Journal of Men's Health, 20(8). https://doi.org/10.22514/jomh.2024.122
