‘I don’t have any erection’

By Wale Okediran                             

Question: I don’t have any erection

I will be 40 years old next year. My problem is my inability to have penetration during sex. My penis is just like rubber during sex. Kindly help me with a quick solution.  

 — Sanni  (by SMS)

Answer: What you have is called Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It’s a common condition, affecting millions of men all over the world. Sometimes erectile dysfunction develops gradually. The main cause of ED is often clogged arteries. In fact, in nearly one-third of men who see their doctors about trouble getting or keeping an erection, ED is the first hint that they have cardiovascular disease. Other possible causes of erectile dysfunction include medications and prostate surgery, as well as illnesses and accidents. Stress, relationship problems, or depression can also lead to it. Regardless of the cause, erectile dysfunction often can be effectively treated. For some men, simply losing weight may help. Others may need medications. If these steps aren’t effective, a number of other options, including injections and vacuum devices, are available. Given the variety of options, the possibility of finding the right solution is now greater than ever before.

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Question:  My addiction to junk foods

I enjoy eating at Fast Food joints so much that I can’t do without such foods on a weekly basis. However, I discovered that I have been putting on a lot of weight while my Blood Pressure has been on an upward swing for some time now. I want to know if this development is due to my consumption of Junk foods and what I should do to kick my addiction. 

— Godwin (by E Mail)

Answer: Eating foods such as red meat, fried food, pastries and sugary treats may trigger inflammation, raising your risk of cardiovascular disease. Sweets and foods made with highly refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages can cause spikes in blood sugar that can lead to a lot of weight problems. This is why junk foods have been linked to an increase in body weight and poor health. However, a diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables are very healthy and should be encouraged. Maintaining good health doesn’t happen by accident. It requires work, smart lifestyle choices, and the occasional medical check -up and tests.

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Question: I Sweat Too Much

I sweat profusely when I get nervous. This is especially true when I am about to meet new people. In particular, I get a lot of sweat on my forehead. I find this very embarrassing. Kindly help me.

       — Ade (by E Mail)

Answer: Sweat glands have an important job: they help you maintain your body temperature, particularly in hot weather and when you exercise. Physicians use the word ‘hyperhidrosis’ to refer to sweating that goes beyond what you need. A number of tests are available to pinpoint the areas of sweating and estimate the severity of your condition. If an underlying medical condition is contributing to your problem, that condition will be treated first. If no clear cause can be found, treatment focuses on controlling excessive sweating. Sometimes you may need to try a combination of treatments as prescribed by your doctor.

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Question: Problems with menopause

I am in my late 50s and my menses has completely stopped meaning that I am now in my menopause. However, unlike some of my friends who are coping very well with Menopause, I am having hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and disturbed sleep. Kindly advise me on what to do

— Sherifat (by SMS)

Answer: Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual periods and each woman’s experience of menopause is unique. There are various ways of easing severe menstrual symptoms. These include the use of low-dose birth control pills and common vaginal moisturizers to relieve vaginal dryness. Many women can manage hot flashes with self-help approaches such as deep-breathing exercises, wearing loose, comfortable clothing and keeping the work place and home —especially the bedroom — cool.Taking estrogen or other hormones can be safe and effective for short-term relief of symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats—provided it’s prescribed by a doctor. Hormone therapy is also effective for preventing osteoporosis in women at high risk for breaking bones.

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Question:  Are energy drinks safe?

I am a 30- year- old mother of three with a very heavy schedule of activities. Because of this, I get tired easily. Recently, a friend introduced me to Energy Drinks which have kept me alert and boosted my activities. However, I recently read that the drink has been banned in some countries for being harzardous to health. How true is this?

— Kikelomo (by SMS) 

Answer: Energy drinks are widely promoted as products that increase energy and enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Next to multivitamins, energy drinks are the most popular dietary supplement consumed by many teens and young adults. Unfortunately, a growing body of scientific evidence shows that energy drinks can have serious health effects, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults. This negative effect has been linked to the high dose of caffeine in many energy drinks.