When you're urinating, it's easy to be focused on anything but the task at hand. Perhaps you're thinking about what you're going to do next, or maybe you're just enjoying the break in your day and are making a point of relaxing your mind. It doesn't hurt to pay attention to the process of urinating, though, as doing so may give you an early warning sign regarding certain health issues. The flow of your urine, in particular, can sometimes have a link with prostate cancer. If you encounter any of these flow issues, speak to your doctor promptly.

Difficulties With Urinating

One potential issue that you could face is a struggle to get your urine flowing. This can be common if you're trying to go to the bathroom when you don't really feel the urge — for example, before bedtime or prior to a long car trip — but it's a concern if you feel as though you need to urinate but then struggle to get started. You may have to push for several seconds before the urine begins to flow. While such a scenario can relate to other health issues and doesn't necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer, you should seek help from a medical professional.

Inability To Cut Off The Flow

Another issue that you might deal with is feeling the need to urinate, and being aware of urine beginning to trickle out before you get to the toilet. This type of scenario can sometimes happen if you have a full bladder and are laughing hard, for example, but you can usually correct it by quickly contracting your muscles and cutting off the flow. An inability to do so — perhaps resulting in you wetting your underwear to some degree — is a concern and should compel you to seek testing for prostate cancer.

Discomfort When The Flow Begins

Even if you haven't experienced either of the two above issues, you should be wary of how it feels to urinate. Sometimes, those who have prostate cancer can experience some degree of comfort when they begin to urinate. Discomfort during urination is often associated with urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, so you may automatically assume that you're dealing with one of these issues. By speaking to your doctor and getting tested for prostate cancer, you'll know exactly what is going on with your body and can begin treatment, if necessary.

For more information on prostate cancer, contact a professional near you.