Men are notorious for burying their heads in the sand about their health, and it seems this is especially true when it comes to things going on ‘down there’ potentially relating to the prostate, the gland which sits underneath men’s bladders, surrounds the urethra and produces semen.

One in five UK men would turn a blind eye to prostate problems, according to a recent survey by herbal brand A.Vogel. In fact, 20% admitted that if they experienced symptoms like needing to pee more frequently or urgently, feeling that they’re unable to fully empty their bladder, or difficulty urinating, they would “just ignore it and hope it got better by itself”.

“It can be tough for men talking about their health in general, let alone when it relates to something so sensitive,” said GP Dr Roger Henderson.

“In my experience, there are three main reasons men delay coming forward: embarrassment, fear that it may be cancer, or the belief that it’s just a natural part of ageing and there’s nothing they can do.”

This fear and confusion means two things. Firstly, men who do have cancer may be delaying their diagnosis, and secondly, that men whose symptoms are due to benign conditions may be missing out on treatments.

Though prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK males, it is still relatively rare, affecting around one in eight men, with most diagnosed between the ages of 70-74.

The vast majority who experience symptoms do not have cancer. These symptoms are extremely common as men get older, and are most often caused by an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which affects 50% of men over 50.

“BPH can have a significant effect on quality of life,” Dr Henderson said, “affecting sleep, work, relationships and sex. If left untreated, it can result in complications, such as bladder infections, acute or chronic urine retention, which can affect kidneys, and hernia.”

The good news is though, that BPH is most often easily treatable. Some men with mild symptoms may choose to take a “wait and watch” approach, or make some lifestyle changes. “Things such as cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, especially late at night, and stopping smoking, as nicotine can irritate the bladder,” said Dr Henderson.