Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Why you should wake up with an erection

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

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:

Why is my penis itchy?

Genital itching happens for many reasons and is usually harmless, but even if it’s harmless – it can be extremely irritating! (Not to mention embarrassing).

Here are some common causes why your member may be driving you mad, and what you can do about it.

Jock itch

One of the most common reasons for feeling itchy around the crotch area, is jock itch. The area around the penis is often warm and moist, which makes it attractive to bacteria. Jock itch can also come from tight underwear, skin rubbing and allergies. Besides itching, symptoms of jock itch include a pink or red rash, pain and a smell.

Treatment: Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend a cream or medication. Make sure you keep your pubic area clean. Use a mild soap and water when washing.

Yeast infection (thrush)

Poor personal hygiene, using antibiotics, and certain cleansing products can up your risk of getting thrush. Besides itching at the tip of the penis, you could also get a red rash, swelling, pain when urinating and lumpy discharge.

Treatment: Thrush is usually treated with anti-fungal medication and making sure your groin is clean and dry. Talk to your doctor about a treatment that would work best for you.

Allergic reactions

Allergies can cause mild to severe reactions. Some of the most common culprits are condoms, detergents and the type of clothing you wear. A study found that latex condoms could cause allergic reactions in some men. Certain types of birth control may also cause allergic reactions on the foreskin or the penis.

Treatment: The best way to treat any allergy is to find the trigger and steer clear from it. Talk to your doctor about possible triggers and treatment.

Pubic lice or mites

Not just kids get lice! Pubic lice and mites can spread during sexual activities, or by sharing towels or bed sheets. For example, mites like scabies are tiny buggers, which can infect your pubic area and cause extreme itching.

Treatment: Over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice and mite shampoo can help kill the bugs. To remove any eggs left behind on the pubic hair, use a tweezer or a fine-toothed comb. Wash the infected bedding and towels and avoid sex until you’re treated. If an infection develops from scratching, or if the treatment doesn’t work, talk to your doctor.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

Unprotected sex may lead to diseases which can cause itching on the penis and groin area. For example, an STD called genital herpes can make you itch and create itchy red bumps, blisters and discharge.

Treatment: STDs are very contagious and spread easily, so go see a doctor immediately if you think you’ve been infected. Your doctor will give you treatment. Avoid having sex until you’ve recovered.

Prevent the itch

  • Wash the penis well and under the foreskin too, especially if you’re uncircumcised.
  • Keep the pubic area dry, as moisture can lead to infections.
  • Wear loose, natural fibre underwear and change your underwear every day.
  • Avoid STDs by always having protected sex.
  • Wash your clothing with unscented washing powder.
  • Don’t stay in wet clothes for too long.

References

Can Botox treat erectile dysfunction?

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?

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:

The top killers and cures in men

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

How to keep your prostate from turning against you

In the spirit of Movember, let’s get to grips with one of the scariest health issues facing men today: prostate cancer.

First the good news: early preventative screening goes a long way. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting South African men today. About one in eight men are at risk of getting it. If you’ve just turned 40, pick up the phone and have yourself checked out!

Risk factors

According to a recent study, prostate cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-death amongst men in the world. The prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid. It’s found underneath the bladder and forms part of the reproductive system.

Age: Your risk increases with age. It rarely affects young men and is more common in older men. It’s usually diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 69.

Genetics: If there’s a history of prostate cancer in your family, you have a higher risk for developing it. This is because you may have inherited the same damaged DNA (mutation) that in some cases, leads to cancer.

Diet: A recent study finds that a high dairy intake is linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Too many saturated fats and obesity increases the risk too.

What happens during the test?

Screenings make it possible to detect cancer at its early stages. A common screening test is the digital rectal exam (DRE).

  • The doctor will ask you to stand and bend in a forward positon or lay on your side on an exam table and pull up your knees.
  • The doctor will insert a lubricated and gloved finger into your rectum to feel the prostate gland. Expect slight discomfort and pressure.
  • Your doctor will examine and look out for abnormalities, size, bumps, hard and soft spots, the wall of your rectum and determine the size of your prostate. Prostate cancers often begin in the back part of the gland, which may be felt during a rectal exam.
  • If you have haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus) or anal fissures (a small tear in the lining of the anus), you may have a small amount of bleeding and discomfort.

Further testing

  • The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a simple blood test that helps with diagnosis. High PSA levels may tell the doctor if it’s inflammation or cancer.
  • A urine test may also be done to check for abnormal cells, infection or blood in your urine.
  • The only certainty in diagnosing prostate cancer is through a prostate biopsy. Your doctor will get tissue samples of your prostate gland to look at under a microscope.

Prep ahead
Avoid food three hours before the exam, and heavy meals the day before. They may cause digestive problems.

After-care
Your blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis but your results won’t be available immediately. For the DRE exam, your doctor may be able to discuss with you what was discovered during the process. Your results will ultimately determine the next step.

Still have questions? Why not ask one of our doctors? Simply sign up on our website. download the free Hello Doctor app from the Google Play or iTunes store. Then you can ask our doctors a question via text or call, anytime, anywhere!

References: 

Last longer in bed: The Men’s Guide

The mood is set and you’re ready to rock her world. Uh oh… problem alert: in the throes of passion, you realise you may finish too soon. While it may be embarrassing, just know that this is a common problem, and nothing to be ashamed of!

Can you keep up?

Premature ejaculation affects about 30% of men before or after sexual intercourse, and usually happens between one to three minutes into sex. There’s no clear reason for the problem. Some factors that can contribute include:

  • a new partner
  • different sexual setting
  • hyperactive reflexes
  • extreme arousal
  • infrequent sexual activity
  • sensitive genital skin
  • depression

Pre-ejaculation a common sexual challenge. Usually, it’s not an issue of age or even race; but rather a psychological and emotional state. In most cases for men in their 60s or 70s, pre-ejaculation is also linked to erectile dysfunction.

Your weight matters.

A recent study by Erciyes University in Turkey showed that overweight men on average last 90 seconds longer in bed than leaner men. The research suggests that men who’ve suffered from pre-ejaculation during sex were thinner than men who last longer before orgasming. They suspect that it’s due to the higher presence of a female hormone called estradiol, which suppresses orgasms for males.

Slow and steady wins the race

The truth is; if you get anxious about your problem, this just makes matters worse. So, let’s start by taking a deep breath in, and out.

Your inability to delay ejaculation and the lack of control won’t be solved by rushing your sexual encounters. It just increases anxiety and affects overall performance. So, the focus of your energy should be to prolong the whole experience, not just try to last longer during sex itself. This way, you can both have an intense and enjoyable time.

Some practical tips:

  • Try relaxation techniques to delay your ejaculatory reflexes. Incorporate deep breathing and meditation into your daily workouts.
  • Do pelvic floor exercises. This is the muscle that stops you from weeing. To do these, you simply need to stop your flow mid-stream, using the internal muscles to contract. These exercises will strengthen pelvic muscles that support the bladder and bowel, and boost your sexual function and stamina.
  • Use slightly thicker condoms to reduce the sensation to the penis. Some condoms may give a numbing effect for you to last longer.
  • Try an anesthetic cream, gel or spray to help delay orgasm.
  • Squeeze the end of your penis before ejaculation; this releases the urge to ejaculate.
  • It may be worth your while to speak with a sex therapist. Often, these problems go beyond the physical and he can advise on techniques and strategies, while getting to the heart of your problem.
  • If you suffer from depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressants to help with pre-ejaculation.

Stamina boosters:

  • Nuts: Boosts circulatory health and helps maintain an erection.
  • Oysters: High in zinc and amino acids that trigger the production of sex hormones.
  • Chocolate: These sweet goods release endorphins that induce feelings of excitement, pleasure and attraction.
  • Avocado: Packed with Vitamin B6 and folic acid to stabilise hormones.
  • Spinach: The high levels of magnesium can dilate your blood vessels which improves blood flow to the penis.
  • Eggs: Vitamins B6 and B5 in eggs can fight stress and boost libido levels in men and women.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor (or one of ours):

  • What’s causing the problem?
  • How can it be treated?
  • What kind of treatment do you recommend?
  • How soon after treatment will I see improvement?
  • Will this affect me for the rest of my life?
  • Does my sexual history have anything to do with it?

 In the meantime, communicate with your partner as this issue may put a strain on your relationship. Premature ejaculation is treatable.

References

Men, boost your sexual performance

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