Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore when going to the toilet
The Mirror, August 2023
Dr Sanjay Mehta and Dr Angela Rai, Private Harley street GPs, offer some advice on the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore when going to the toilet. Changes to how often you go to the toilet, the consistency of your stools and frequency of your urine may be the result of a change in diet but can also be a sign of something more serious.
Dr Rai highlights that the presence of blood in your stools can be one of the early signs of bowel cancer. While this can be caused by other conditions like haemorrhoids or anal fissures it is also something that should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer has proven to be very effective, with many who seek treatment in the early stages going on to be cured and cancer free.
“The symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and should be checked if you have these symptoms or any persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool or unintentional weight loss.”
If you are worried about blood or other changes in your stools then it is advised to seek medical advice, your GP can arrange tests including blood tests, stool tests or more advanced tests like a colonoscopy if required.
Dr Sanjay Mehta also offers some advice on what to do if you are experiencing problems or changes when urinating. If urination becomes more frequent, is accompanied by pain and or hesitancy then it is a good idea to seek medical advice. Such changes in urination can be an indicator of prostate cancer and so further tests may be required to ensure early diagnosis and the best treatment options possible. When it comes to urination Dr Mehta states “…if it’s new for you, and you find you’re having to go more often at night, and you’re having hesitancy or urgency, see your doctor.”
For more information read the full article below. If you are concerned that your changes in toilet habits may be the sign of a more serious concern then make an appointment with a Private London GP by getting in touch with us here.