erectile dysfunction

5 Embarrassing penis questions, answered!

October 28th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Here at Hello Doctor we get many questions from men regarding problems with their manhood and what to do about it. We thought it would be a good idea to put together a short FAQ with some of the most common questions we receive along with an answer from our Hello Doctor doctors.

1. How do I control early ejaculation?

Early, or premature, ejaculation is a common issue for many men. Essentially it means that the man reaches orgasm sooner than he would like – within a minute of penetration, being unable to delay or hold off orgasm and feeling inadequate and avoiding sexual intimacy as a result. The reason behind this is often complex, including both physical and psychological factors.
So what can you do? Try these techniques:

Masturbate an hour or so before intercourse. This makes it easier to hold off orgasm while being sexually intimate
Avoid intercourse for a period of time and focus on other ways of pleasuring yourself and your partner.
Use the Pause-Squeeze technique. During sexual activity, when your reach the point where you are going to orgasm stop and get your partner to squeeze your penis just below the head until the urge to ejaculate passes. Continue and repeat this cycle a few times. This will teach you control and soon you will be able to hold off orgasm without this

If these do not help then you should consult your doctor as you may need additional assistance in the way of medication or counselling.

2. Can I boost my testosterone?

To boost your testosterone levels naturally you will need to look at your lifestyle

Get enough sleep.
Keep your weight healthy
Exercise. Strength plus cardiovascular training is essential
Reduce stress
Stop smoking
Make sure your medications are not contributing to it – anabolic steroids used by body builders and athletes can decrease testosterone levels

3. How can I stay erect for longer?

Maintaining a healthy and strong erection and improving your endurance during sex demands dedication and focus. Only if you are looking after yourself will you be able to perform at your peak.

Avoid excessive alcohol – although it reduces inhibitions, alcohol use will also result in weaker erections and poor stamina
Do not smoke! Smoking damages the blood vessels supplying the penis during an erection. When these are damaged your erection will be too
Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Being fit and healthy is a huge advantage
Use condoms- condoms decrease your sensitivity and allow you to go on for longer
Try different positions during intercourse to keep things interesting
Don’t masturbate too often

4. It is normal to have a low sex drive after 40?

It is normal for libido to decrease as you age – after the age of 40 men experience a decreasing testosterone level and can experience something similar to the female menopause. Low libido, low energy, depressive symptoms and weight gain can occur. Other factors influence libido at this age is stress and medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes for example.

5. Are there any natural ways to increase my penis size?

No, there is no medication or supplement that is able to do this. Here are a few things to keep in mind about your penis size:

When you look at your own penis, it will appear shorter simply because of the angle at which you are looking.
Women generally do not care about size; it’s how you use it that counts.
Spend time keeping yourself fit and healthy -being overweight will affect how large your penis looks, when surrounded by body fat it’s going to look small. If you are lean however it’s going to look bigger.

There you have it, 5 of your most frequently asked questions about penis health answered. We hope these answers will give you some peace of mind. If you’d like to learn some more, why don’t you speak to our doctors directly by using our Hello Doctor service. The service allows you to speak to a doctor over the phone in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Written by Dr Russell Thomson.

Men: Don’t ignore these 5 symptoms!

August 6th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com

If you’re a man, chances are that you use a simple three-level medical system: broken bones or massive wounds mean a trip to the hospital, blood in your urine will get you to the GP, and for the rest: it’ll just go away.

For the most part, this isn’t a bad system, but there are some common symptoms which could indicate something more serious. And if these come up again and again, visit your doctor to make sure there’s no underlying issue.

Heartburn

If this happens once in a while after you’ve over-indulged at the table, okay. But if it happens often, is accompanied by other symptoms (such as shortness of breath, pain in your arm, nausea, vomiting, or sweats), or antacids don’t make much of a difference, it’s time to see the GP.

Bloody stool

This isn’t a glamorous symptom, but if there’s blood in the toilet bowl, or very dark or almost black stool, it can be a symptom of a harmless haemorrhoid, or something far more serious like gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or colon cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor, as early diagnosis is the best way to deal with any of these conditions.

Blood in the semen

While this can be caused by injury, rough sex, or an infection in the prostate, it can also be the first sign of prostate or testicular cancer. Unless you’ve had an injury, it’s best to get this seen too – actually, even if you’ve had an injury, rather be safe than sorry.

If you have this once in a while, it’s normal. However, if it’s an ongoing battle to get or keep an erection, it’s a warning sign for various conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease and neurologic disease. It can also be a side-effect of medication or a result of stress or depression. Either way, this is no way to live – see you doctor so that you can get back to normal.

Chronic thirst

This isn’t that need for something cold on a hot day! We’re talking unquenchable thirst, which can be quite a serious symptom of diabetes. Other signs are frequent urination, extreme hunger, tiredness, unexplained weight loss or gain, nausea, blurred vision, or sores that are slow to heal – basically, don’t wait for all of these: see your doctor for a check-up.

Are random erections normal?

January 13th, 2020 by Content Editor

An erection happens when blood flows into your penis faster than it flows out. This is what makes the spongy tissue in your penis swell. Erections can happen at any point in your life (even when you’re a baby). But you start getting erections more often during puberty.

According to The Sexual Medicine Society of North America, the average man has about 11 erections each day and several more at night.

A healthy male will typically experience 3 to 5 erections while asleep, each lasting 25 to 35 minutes. They usually happen when you’re sexually aroused but can also happen without any sexual stimulation.

Are random erections normal? They are indeed. Waking up to a random erection is common. This is known as nocturnal penile tumescence, sometimes called “morning wood”.
It’s also common to get erections during the night when you’re sleeping and when you first wake up.

Causes for erections

Because an erection is most commonly triggered by arousing thoughts, sights, or feelings of something or someone who is sexually exciting; the brain sends signals that widen the arteries connected to the penis, allowing more blood to enter.

The veins that usually carry this blood back to the rest of the body shrink. This results in the penis swelling and stiffening, which then forms an erection.

Erections that happen without sexual stimulation can have several causes. While the involvement of testosterone in random erections remains unclear, levels of hormones fluctuate throughout the day, particularly testosterone, which is a common cause of random erections.

Normal erections

The cause of night-time erections isn’t fully understood. But studies suggest that they are closely associated with the phase of sleep known as rapid eye movement (REM). This is when you tend to dream.

Many conditions can affect your erectile functioning, like stress, exhaustion, illness, medication, drugs and alcohol, smoking, hormones, ageing and nerve damage.

You’ll notice that as you get older, the nerves in your penis may get less sensitive. This can cause trouble with arousal as well as orgasm. This occurs due to a drop in testosterone that happens as you age.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a symptom of an underlying issue like blocked blood vessels, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

You may be more likely to experience ED if you:

Have high blood pressure.
Are overweight
Have high cholesterol levels
Have diabetes
Suffer from depression

When to see a doctor

The only symptom of an erection problem is being unable to get and keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex. See a doctor to discover more about your health and understand if there are any underlying issues.

Your doctor can find out if you have an erection problem by asking questions about your health and doing a physical exam. Healthy lifestyle changes are recommended, alongside medication.

Reference:

Is my penis normal?

October 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

When it comes to your penis, it’s normal to wonder what’s going on “down there”. Firstly, it’s important to remember that each man’s penis and testicles are a little different. During puberty, they go through changes. For example, it may grow bigger and change in colour.

Sizes vary, so there’s no need to worry about what size yours will eventually grow into. Whether yours is thick or thin, straight or has a curve; everyone has a uniqueness to their manhood. Unless yours hurts or feels uncomfortable, safe to say, you’re alright down there.

Here are some common penis facts to ease your mind.

Get to know your penis

For most males, the average adult penis size is about 6 to 12cm long. It may be bigger when it’s erect (hard). The size of your penis when it’s soft (flaccid) has nothing to do with how big it becomes when it’s erect. Some penises become much larger when erect and others stay about the same size.

Your testicles, (that some call your balls), produce sperm. During puberty, your testicles begin to make and store sperm. They also make testosterone, the hormone that gives you muscles, a lower voice, a sex drive and facial hair. There are usually two egg-shaped testicles and one usually hangs lower than the other. One testicle is commonly also bigger.

The sack that holds your testicles is called the scrotum. The scrotum exists to protect your sperm. The muscles of the scrotum move to keep your sperm inside the testicles at a healthy temperature. Scrotums are usually darker than the rest of your skin, but not always. They’re generally wrinkly and covered with hair and tiny painless bumps. Both testicles and your penis are very sensitive. Hitting, handling it roughly or twisting is can be painful.

If you find a lump, experience sharp pain or other changes in your scrotum or testicles, talk to your doctor immediately. Here are some common penis conditions that you should be aware of and how they are treated.

Yeast infection

This kind of infection is caused by fungus. Yeast penile infection starts as a rash with white, shiny patches of skin on your penis. A yeast infection is more common in men with uncircumcised penises because the warm, moist space underneath the foreskin may promote yeast growth. This infection is commonly treated with antifungal medication.

Common symptoms could include:

Unusually moist penis skin.
Itchiness.
A burning sensation in the skin of the penis.
A cottage cheese-like substance under the foreskin or skin folds.

Erectile dysfunction

If you can’t get or maintain an erection, you may have erectile dysfunction. It’s commonly caused by stress or anxiety and there isn’t any cause for medical concern. If it happens regularly though, there may be an underlying health problem. This condition can be treated with medications, counselling and a penis pump may be helpful.

Common symptoms include:

Difficulty keeping an erection during sex.
Trouble getting an erection.
A loss of interest in sex.

Premature ejaculation

This happens when you ejaculate (release semen) earlier than you wanted during sexual activity. It usually happens in under a minute of intercourse. Although this isn’t a health issue, it interrupts sexual pleasure and could cause relationship issues as a result. If this happens infrequently, there’s no reason to worry.
Your doctor could advise a treatment option that may include sexual strategies, counselling or medication.

Peyronie’s disease

If your penis is slightly curved, it’s normal, but if it’s extremely noticeable, it may be Peyronie’s disease. This condition is caused when there’s too much scar tissue (plaque) on your penis that causes it to bend. This happens when you have a penis injury. Treatment isn’t usually needed as Peyronie’s disease usually clears up on its own.

The two most common treatments are surgery and medication. Medication usually comes in the form of pills and if the oral medication doesn’t work, an injection into the scar tissue of the penis may be necessary. If your condition is severe, an operation may be necessary.

Common symptoms include:

Pain or discomfort that makes it hard to ejaculate.
A sharp bend or curve of your penis.
Hard lumps or tissue on the bottom or the side of your penis.
The shrinking or shortening of your penis.

Penile fracture

If your penis is injured, the tissue may become damaged and you could get a fracture. As this issue is severe, surgery is necessary with a penile fracture in order for your penis’s abilities to restore.

Common symptoms:

Intense pain.
A popping sound.
Losing an erection immediately.
Bleeding.
Bruising or discolouration on penis skin.
Struggling to pee.

References:

Erectile dysfunction medication: the good, the bad, the dangerous

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Erectile dysfunction – the inability to get or maintain an erection during sex – can be distressing for both partners and can severely affect the quality of life of the sufferer. Recently, several new medications have been developed to assist the approximately 10% of men aged between 40 and 70 who experience the disorder.

Drugs for ED and how they work

Drugs for erectile dysfunction are in a class of prescription medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. They cause vasodilation – the widening of blood vessels – by relaxing the walls of your arteries, and increasing levels of nitric oxide in your blood. Wider blood vessels improve blood flow to the penis and having an engorged penis makes it easier to get and maintain an erection during sex.

There are four drugs regularly prescribed for ED.

Avanafil.
Sildenafil (Viagra).
Tadalafil (Cialis).
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).

While each works similarly, they differ in their effectiveness.

Avanafil (Stendra) 
This medication begins working within 15 minutes and effects can last for up to six hours.

Sildenafil (Viagra) 
Viagra takes around 30 minutes to become effective and lasts about four hours.

Tadafil (Cialis) 
This medication is effective for up to 36 hours in some cases.

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) 
Takes about 30 minutes to start working and the effects last about five hours.

Common side-effects of all four medications include:

Headache.
Flushing (worsened by spicy foods, alcohol, or being in a warm environment).
Back or all-over body aches and pains.
Stomach upsets like diarrhoea, indigestion or heartburn.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Stuffy or runny nose.
Blurred or altered vision.

Alcohol may worsen some of these effects, especially the dizziness and headache. Because of the vasodilation effect, it can also cause a drop in blood pressure and speed up your heart rate.

Severe side-effects include:

Priapism – an erection that lasts far longer than the medication should be effective for.
A complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs.
Rashy, peeling, blistering or itchy skin.
Swollen eyelids, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
Ringing in ears.
Hoarseness.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Fainting.

If you experience any of these side-effects, get medical help as soon as possible.

Do not use erectile dysfunction medication if you:

Have had a loss of vision or retinitis pigmentosa.
Take nitrates, like nitroglycerin or a similar medicine, for chest pain or heart problems.
Are taking alpha-blockers to treat prostate enlargement.
Are allergic to any other erectile dysfunction medications.

Alpha-blockers and medications with nitrates increase blood flow by relaxing your blood vessels, allowing them to widen. Erectile dysfunction drugs do the same and a cocktail of these can lead to a severe drop in your BP, leading to extreme dizziness and fainting.

Before you look at medication to treat your ED, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications; are taking any medications or supplements and if you will be undergoing any type of surgery. Also ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your current medications contain nitrates or any other ingredient that could interact with ED medications.

References:

Why you should wake up with an erection

April 8th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

A nocturnal penile tumescence (spontaneous erection) happens to men of all ages, even babies, but it has nothing to do with sexual stimulation. In fact, having a morning erection could actually help you assess your health.

If you wake up with an erection it means that there’s been healthy blood flow to your penis throughout the night. On average, a healthy man has three to five erections during a full night’s sleep, each lasting about 25 to 35 minutes.

The erections are in alignment with your sleep cycle. Your body and mind go through stages of sleep from non-REM (rapid eye movement) stages to full on REM deep sleep, about four or five times a night. This deep, relaxed state allows blood vessels in your penis to dilate, causing a natural erection.

If you don’t get an erection in the morning as you wake up, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong.

Who gets morning wood?

Men of all ages can get an erection in the morning. It’s healthy and a sign of a properly functioning blood and nervous system in and around the penis.

Young boys may experience this between the ages of six to eight and men in their 60s and 70s. As you get older though, the nerves in your penis become less sensitive. This may cause trouble with arousal and having an orgasm. When this happens, erectile dysfunction may also be more likely because of dipping testosterone levels.

Erectile dysfunction

Anxiety, stress and depression have all been linked to erectile dysfunction. If you struggle with erectile dysfunction but you wake up with a morning erection, the cause of your performance issues is likely to be stress-related, rather than medical.

If you struggle to maintain an erection during sex, and you haven’t been waking up with an erection either, blood flow to your penis may be the issue. However, if you’re young and still not experiencing a morning erection or if your erections suddenly stop, it’s time to see a doctor.

This common symptom may be the cause of an underlying issue like blocked blood vessels, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

You are more likely to experience Erectile Dysfunction if you:

Have high blood pressure.
Are overweight.
Have high cholesterol levels.
Have diabetes.
Suffer from depression.

Some medications may also affect your ability to experience morning wood. Painkillers and some antidepressant medications can prevent an erection in the morning.

When to see a doctor

If you’re unable to get or maintain an erection, see your doctor immediately. This will help you get further insight into a possible underlying cause. Don’t be afraid to speak up; you can recover and, more importantly, prevent a serious condition from developing.

References:

9 things you didn’t know about your penis

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Keeping your manhood healthy and clean should be priorities for most men. But, how well do you know all the ins and outs of your package?

You may think you’re an expert, but did you know:

1. The penis is twice as long as you think

There’s more to the size of your penis. The erectile tissue that forms the penis extends right into your body. So, what you see is the external part, and the other half is hidden inside your pelvic region.

2. The first erection

Well, your first erection happened when you were a baby! It’s common for babies to exit the womb with an erection. Even before birth, ultrasound scans can sometimes show a foetus with a fully formed erection. Studies show that erections happen most commonly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when you dream. They can even happen several times an hour. The reason is unclear, but it might just be your body’s way of testing things out and keeping them running properly.

3. The angle

A man’s erection can point in almost any direction. Left or right, up or down or straight ahead; there’s no right or wrong. If you’re a bit concerned that your penis may be skew, worry not, you’re normal. Only a few penises are straight; the majority curve in any direction. A curve of up to 30 degrees is still considered normal.

4. There are two types of penises

One kind expands and lengthens when it’s erect (a grower). The other appears big most of the time but doesn’t get much bigger after getting an erection (a shower).

5. Night-time erections

On average, a healthy man has three to five erections during a full night’s sleep, with each lasting between 25 to 35 minutes. It’s common for men to wake up with an erection; commonly known as the “morning glory”. This is seen as the last erection in the series of night-time erections. Most doctors agree that night-time erections are a sign that everything is functioning well.

6. The penis is not a muscle

The penis doesn’t have muscles. That’s why you’re not able to move it when it’s erect. Your manhood is sort of like a sponge that fills with blood when you’re sexually aroused. Blood builds up inside two cylinder-shaped chambers, causing the penis to swell and stiffen. The swelling blocks off the veins that normally move blood away from the penis. As the erection disappears, the arteries in these two chambers narrow again. This allows blood to drain away from the penis. If the penis is violently twisted when erect, it can break. There are no bones in the penis, but the tubes that fill with blood during an erection can burst. Blood can pour out of them inside the penis, causing a very painful swelling.

7. Smoking can shrink your penis

Smoking can shorten the penis by up to a centimetre! Erections are all about good blood flow and lighting up a cigarette hardens blood vessels. This will affect erectile circulation.

8. Size doesn’t matter

Shorter penises increase more in length than longer ones when they become erect. Research based on penis measurements of over two thousand men found that shorter penises increased nearly twice the size of longer penises when erect.

9. Age affects things

The nerves in your penis become less sensitive as you age. This may cause trouble with arousal and having an orgasm. In this case, erectile dysfunction may likely happen because of decreasing testosterone levels. As you get older, your penis may shrink in size too, because of the slow deposit of fatty plaques in tiny arteries in the penis. This reduces its blood flow.

References:

Can Botox treat erectile dysfunction?

March 7th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Botox has become synonymous with turning back the age clock. This cosmetic procedure fills in wrinkled lines to give you a fresh face all over again. Botox is a bacterial toxin called botulinum. It works by blocking the nerve impulses that cause muscles to contract. No facial movement = no wrinkles.

It’s used for both cosmetic and medical uses. It’s a purified polypeptide that has the ability to relax the muscle that has been injected. Apart from this, Botox is currently also the most effective non-surgical treatment for excessive sweating under the arms, hands, and feet. It’s also said to be able to remedy certain eye disorders like crossed eyes and uncontrolled blinking, muscle stiffness/spasms and movement disorders.

But here’s a surprising one: it could treat erectile dysfunction (ED).

Can Botox do the trick?

Erections depend mainly on good blood flow.

There are more than 30 million men with ED and the reason behind it boils down to blood loss. The likelihood of developing ED increases with age. According to the American Urological Association, four in 10 men at age 40 suffer from ED, six in 10 men at age 65 and eight in 10 men at age 75.

With the passing of the years, you may notice your erections take longer to develop or aren’t quite as rigid. But ED isn’t an inevitable consequence of the ageing process alone. Normally ED occurs in older men simply because they’re more likely to have another medical condition – such as high blood pressure – that may interfere with erectile function. Research says that Botox injections may increase blood flow to the penis by paralysing the nerves that cause smooth muscles within the penis to contract.

According to the International Andrology London Clinic, nearly 50% of men who received a 50ml injection of Botox, (botulinum toxin type A, the active component of Botox) as opposed to a placebo, recorded significant erectile satisfaction. At least 25% were able to complete full penetrative sex. Most of the men involved in the study had severe and end-stage erectile dysfunction with no ability to perform sexual intercourse. In such cases, the only option available is a penile prosthesis (surgical silicone implant).

Botox, on the other hand, may cause some unwanted effects like:

Temporary weakness/paralysis of nearby muscles
Headache
Mild pain
Numbness
Malaise-feeling, generally unwell
Mild nausea
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Hives
Rashes
Wheezing
Swelling

Each injection of Botox may be able to provide an erectile boost for several months, making it easier for men to get and maintain an erection.

It’s been found that it can also work for men who have physiological erectile dysfunction (caused by blood flow issues), and those with the psychogenic form (triggered by psychological factors).

Scientific experiments on Botox for erectile dysfunction have been limited. Its safety and effectiveness still needs to be verified in clinical trials before it can be recommended, but it shows promise for men who want to enjoy their sex-lives into a ripe old age!

References:

What’s happening to my penis?

February 27th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your penis changes as you age.

Ageing doesn’t just bring on wrinkles, grey hair and new and uncomfortable aches and pains. Nope, unfortunately, there’s hair loss, saggy skin – and yes, those wrinkles can start to form in places that you didn’t even know could wrinkle.

As you age, so too does your penis. Each change is controlled by testosterone levels in your body. Testosterone is the male sex hormone.

Your levels of testosterone start to go down as you hit the age of 40, and this affects semen volume and sperm quality.

Your penis can affect your sexuality as your body goes through the changes. According to studies, about 70% of men will have erectile dysfunction at some point in their life. Statistics say more than 100 million men all over the world have erectile dysfunction. This problem is more common in developed countries.

Your penis will go through these changes:

Performance: With a drop in your testosterone levels, you will need more time for arousal and erection to get an orgasm and for second arousal. Erectile dysfunction happens with the ageing process and commonly affects older people. Your sexual function may take a dip between the ages of 40-70 years.

Size: The decreased blood flow and testosterone levels will result in a persistent shrinkage of the penis as time goes by. It’s also likely you’ll put on weight as you get older, and belly fat can give the appearance of your penis being smaller.

Look: Thanks to the reduced blood flow to your penis, the head may lose its dark colour and you might see a loss of pubic hair too. Your penis may curve in shape. This is caused by Peyronie’s disease (a scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved and painful erections). It’s caused by repeated penile injury during sex or physical activity. The condition most commonly happens in middle age and may need surgery. You could also feel an actual reduction in thickness and length with age.

Sensitivity: Your penis will become less sensitive over time. This can make it hard to get an erection and have an orgasm.

Testicles: Your testes are responsible for sperm production. Because of low testosterone levels, sperm production slows down and they may shrink.

Natural boosters for your manhood

Eggs have Vitamin B6 and B5 that can fight stress and boost libido levels in men and women.
Avocado is packed with Vitamin B6 and folic acid that can stabilise hormones and are healthy for a sex drive.
Spinach has high levels of magnesium that can dilate your blood vessels which improves blood flow to the penis.
Nuts boost circulatory health and help maintain an erection.
Oysters are high in zinc and amino acids that trigger the production of sex hormones.
Chocolate releases endorphins that induce feelings of excitement, pleasure and attraction.

See a doctor if you experience the following:

A burning sensation while you pee.
Blood when you pee or ejaculate.
Changes in the way you ejaculate.
Discharge from your penis.
Pain caused by trauma on your penis.
An abrupt or a decline in sexual desire.
Rash, warts and bumps on your penis or genital area.
A curved painful penis that interferes with sexual activity.

References:

Oestrogen: a hormone for women and men

January 5th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

What separates the girls from the boys? From a physical perspective, it all boils down to hormones. The glands all over your body secrete substances which have an effect on how your organ system behaves; either in a positive or negative way.

Although oestrogen is a female hormone, a man’s body also makes oestrogen; but at a lower level.

Oestrogen is a group of sex hormones that help with the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the human body. So, your hormones act like messengers, that tell specific tissues in your body to behave a certain way. Amazing, right? Oestrogen is one of the most important hormones for women, along with progesterone which maintains pregnancies and implants an egg in the uterus (womb).

How does this hormone work?

Oestrogen is responsible for the development of breasts, pubic and arm pit hairs, endometrium (mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus) and the regulation of a menstrual cycle. It’s an important hormone for the reproductive function and cycle of a woman.

In women, oestrogen circulates in the bloodstream and binds to oestrogen receptors on cells in targeted tissues. This doesn’t just affect your breasts and uterus, but the brain, heart, liver, bones and other tissues too.

The hormone controls the growth of the uterine lining during the first part of your menstrual cycle. It effects changes in the breasts during puberty and pregnancy; and regulates metabolic processes like bone growth and cholesterol levels too.

What about in men?

In their teenage years, men have high levels of testosterone and low levels of oestrogen. As men age, oestrogen increases and testosterone decreases. This is due to aromatase: an enzyme that converts testosterone into oestrogen. Aromatase is most commonly found in fat cells, so the more body fat a man has, especially in the midsection, the more aromatase, which leads to an increase in oestrogen.

What happens if there’s a dysfunction?

For women
Symptoms include:

Headaches
Mood swings
Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
Swelling and tenderness in the breasts
Low libido
Irregular menstrual periods
Trouble sleeping
Cold hands or feet
Hair loss
Weight gain
Lack of energy and exhaustion
Memory difficulties

For men

If a man’s oestrogen levels increase significantly he may begin to experience unusual symptoms. High oestrogen in men results in:

Infertility: Sperm levels in semen may decrease. This can lead to fertility issues. Oestrogen is partly responsible for creating healthy sperm.
Breasts: Men with too much oestrogen may start to develop larger breasts.
Erectile dysfunction: Sexual function may be disturbed when testosterone and oestrogen levels are not balanced. This will cause difficulties in getting or maintaining an erection.

Balance your hormones

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a recommended form of treatment to treat a hormonal imbalance. Your doctor will do blood tests to determine hormone levels. If there’s a deficiency or imbalance, BHRT is recommended to safely balance the levels.
Exercise is also important for your overall health and mental state. It helps keep cortisol (stress hormone) levels low and counter the effects of stress.
Eat clean! Junk, greasy and fast foods can increase hormone imbalances because of excess storage of fat in the body.

References:

The top killers and cures in men

September 28th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

For much of your 20s you partied like there was no tomorrow. But now, as you get older, you realise the need to take care of your health just a little bit better. Men’s health issues are on the increase. Sadly, though, there still seems to be a stigma around confronting these issues. Men tend to be less open about their health issues. When they struggle, it often becomes a case of: “out of sight, out of mind.”

In the spirit of Movember, we look at three common illnesses men face, and how you can do your best to prevent it.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

We get it, guys: you don’t really want to talk about it. You might feel like you’re not a “real man”, or that there is “something wrong with you”. But this is simply not true.

ED can be caused by a number of different things, but your lifestyle plays an integral part in your overall performance. Factors that influence erectile dysfunction include

Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Not enough exercise
Rest
Drug use
Sexual activity

ED symptoms include:

An inability to have an erection
Unable to keep an erection until orgasm
Not being able to reach an orgasm or ejaculation

Face the challenge!

We know it’s hard to talk to a doctor about private issues (no pun intended). But, in the spirit of Movember – and for the sake of getting your intimate life back – why not pay your urologist a visit. He’ll perform routine checks on everything to check out the condition of your penis. Even if you don’t suffer from erectile dysfunction, it’s good to just get that reassuring pat on the back that your health is in a good place. If you’re still not convinced, why not chat to one of our doctors first? You can have a private, text-message conversation to answer your most pressing (and private) questions.

Prostate cancer

Located between the bladder and the rectum, the prostate gland plays a role in reproduction. So it’s rather important. Sometimes, without warning, the prostate can develop problems and if not detected early, even cancer. The problem though, is that men often disregard the importance of having their prostate checked. In most cases, a tumour takes years to be detected or become visible and problematic. By that time, it’s often too late to reverse the cancer.

Face the challenge!

Yes, we know the physical exam is a bit uncomfortable, but what’s a little discomfort compared to cancer?! By having your prostate checked on a regular basis you can prevent and minimise the risk of developing cancer. Regular check-ups; even when there are no health concerns can be the key to continuing the lifestyle you have become accustomed to. The older you are, the more susceptible you are to prostate cancer. But early prevention is crucial.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular health problems are not just limited to the heart; they affect the brain as well. The two most known cardiovascular problems are heart attacks and strokes, but the real concern is that men are vulnerable to both. When either a heart attack or stroke hit, it restricts the blood flow to the brain; which in turn deprives the brain from oxygen.

Factors that increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases include:

unhealthy diets
physical inactivity
stress
smoking
excessive alcohol usage

Unfortunately, some men are also genetically at higher risk of developing cardiovascular health issues, but a few lifestyle changes can drastically improve this. By simply altering your diet, increasing your daily water intake, brisk walking or jogging, you’re already taking steps in the right direction!

Face the challenge!

Pop in to your doctor for a visit and have a cardiovascular check done. Follow this up by exercising with friends regularly or by yourself, i.e. running, cycling, swimming, etc. In addition, quit smoking and eat healthier. This will help you to lose weight, which in turn will lessen the strain on the heart. No man is immune to cardiovascular diseases, but with the right attitude, you can hold off the risk.

References:

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Erectile-dysfunction/Overview/Diagnosis-of-ED-20140513
http://www.health24.com/Medical/Prostate/Overview/Symptoms-of-prostate-cancer-20120721
http://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/News/Cardiovascular-risk-factors-20140829

Men, boost your sexual performance

June 23rd, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

There’s a solution for nearly everything these days, not least of which aimed at improving your sex life. Viagra made quite a splash when it debuted years ago, and since then, many more have flooded the market. Here’s a run-down of your medically approved passion-powering options.

Performance enhancer
These drugs act as an enhancer for normal or abnormal erectile function. They increase sexual desire and arousal. With the growing interest and market, they’re used to remedy erectile dysfunction. They increase sexual performance, prevent early ejaculation and the overall quality of sex.

Sexual enhancers are known to be effective and can be prescribed by your doctor. They increase your libido and stamina in bed. This is thanks to the active ingredients that speed up the blood flow to the penis.

Do they all work equally?
Any form of enhancement ranges from effective to extremely dangerous. They vary, and will react differently from person to person. Certain brands will not meet your expectations. You need to understand the role these enhancements play and know the key areas you want to focus on. To get value for your money, understand what the drug should be used for and its effectiveness.

Your choices:

Prescribed pills: other than Viagra, there are alternative brands that help relax blood vessels and promote more blood flow to the penis. Each of these have a slightly different way of working, but they have the same goal: long-lasting erections. You need a prescription, as they can cause problems if you have a heart condition.
Gels, creams and oils: these are directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin of the penis, and can give instant results.
Devices: vacuum pumps, cylinders, electric rings and stretchers – you will also need recommendations from your doctor, as these devices aren’t completely risk-free. Where the medication increases blood-flow to the penis medically, these devices increase blood-flow to the penis in a mechanical way.
Surgery: if it is indicated, your doctor may recommend a medical procedure, but this is usually the last resort. It may involve implanting a prosthetic device, or repairing some of the blood vessels in the penis.

Good to know:

Studies suggest that marijuana acts as a sexual aphrodisiac. It’s known to increase your sexual stamina. Marijuana sensitivity may differ for each person. The effect it has in your body is to either relax you or act as a sexual stimulant. Since Marijuana has been declared legal for home use, you could consider giving it a try – just check with your doctor first!
There are generic supplements that mimic testosterone levels.
Some active ingredients found in counterfeit supplements contain chemicals used in diabetes medication that can drop your blood sugar levels: so never take a drug that your doctor hasn’t approved!

The dark side

Most male enhancement pills are ordered online. South Africans are among the biggest consumers on the black market of these supplements. They can be bought from as little as R9 a pill. Just remember, the last thing you want is a health problem you didn’t have – so avoid embarrassment and danger and get these drugs the legal way. Before taking any supplements, check with your doctor for what is suitable and the appropriate dosage for you.

References