Daily Health Tips: Impotence

Posted on June 5, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Hello everyone. I’m positive you’ve all had a good day 😀

I’ve received a couple of questions on erectile dysfunction, aka impotence, that I decided to write on it. Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man is no longer able to get or maintain an erection sufficiently enough to have sexual intercourse. It may be really dramatic in some men, such that where they used to want intercourse very frequently, they find that there is reduced sexual desire.

Oftentimes, this may be due to just stress and better stress coping mechanisms help. However, because this is a sensitive topic, many men do not seek medical help such that this causes significant strain in their relationships. Other causes include depressions, relationship challenges, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, high blood sugar, obesity, some medications, tobacco use, substance abuse, alcoholism etc

Your doctor will probably order some tests to confirm possible cause(s) and then decide on a course of action. Now I know that quite a number of men are quick to go and buy Viagra and some even overdose on it thinking the more they take the better the performance 😀 Please don’t do that! More seriously, these drugs are not for everyone and so if you have Diabetes Mellitus, heart disease, if you have had a stroke etc, please be sure to mention these to your doctor…and indeed you should not self-prescribe any of these (or indeed any other) drugs for yourself.

Treatment depends on cause. If this is emotional, psychological or due to stress etc, some degree of counselling may help. Other treatment options include oral medications like Sildenafil (Viagra), penis pumps, implants, injections etc. Please speak with your doctor to find out what options are available to you.

Remember that your partner may not understand what you’re going through and probably think that you no longer desire her. Be sure to re-assure her and let her be a part of your therapy. More importantly, try to be open about what is going on to your doctor so he can work with you to find the ideal solution.

Good night people 😉

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Daily Health Tips: Womb Setting!

Posted on June 4, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hi Doc, I am having challenge now, I lost my pregnancy last year February. I delivered twins at six months and three days caused by miscarriage. Since then l’ve not been able to conceive. Last time I want for Pelvic Scan, they saw fibroid but said that my womb is okay. Later l went to native (doctors?) that set womb; they did not find any fibroid. The four places I went, (they said that) my womb is down. I’ve to set it on May first week, and I saw my period on April 29th. I did not see my period in May, and I am having pregnancy symptoms such as early sickness, weakness, dizziness and headache. So today I went for test (pregnancy?). It was negative. I am worried. I need your advice. Thanks

 

A: I find this question fascinating and really have a lot of questions myself! I didn’t quite understand all of this question and the words in brackets are mine, as I tried to make sense of it all.

 

First, I feel sad that you lost your baby. At 6 months, you must have been getting ready to carry your baby in your arms…I hope that you were surrounded with loving family and friends to help you through that difficult period.

 

Now, it’s the rest of the story I don’t understand. A medical doctor told you that you had fibroids and then a native doctor said you didn’t have it and then went further to determine that your womb needed to be set? Honestly speaking, I don’t even understand what that means…the whole womb setting business!!!

 

I mean no disrespect to any alternative or native medicine practitioner, but how did he confirm that you don’t have fibroids? Did he make you ‘poop’ it out? Whenever I hear that people excrete their fibroids, I shake my head because it’s a complete lack of understanding of how fibroids develop.

 

Kindly schedule a visit to an obstetrician and gynaecologist who will take a detailed history and also examine you. Then he may order some tests, including a repeat pregnancy test, and decide on the best course of action. You do need to trust that he/she is a professional who has your best interests at heart and trust his judgment. Remember that even if you have fibroids, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have babies. It just depends on where the fibroids are located.

 

And finally, be careful who you allow to ‘treat’ you. If you’re not a doctor, then you’re not entitled to be treating people…how much more carrying out procedures like ‘womb setting’.

 

Have a good evening, y’all 🙂

 

 

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Daily Health Tips: Can I Select The Gender of My Baby?

Posted on June 3, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hi Dr. Please I want your candid advice and please tell me the truth. I have two females already.
Is there anyway I can get a male child medically and does it really work? I have read many books on how to conceive a baby boy; is it real? Thank You.
And secondly does spacing your children increase your chance of having male and female?

A: Interesting questions! Can you get a male child medically? Honestly, when it comes to matters of whether you have a male or female, it’s all up to God 😀 Medically, it is believed in some quarters that the male sperm swim faster and so having sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation guarantees having a baby…but trust me! The world is littered with women who tried this and it didn’t work! For more on the calculation of ovulation day, please click on https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/04/14/daily-health-tips-when-do-i-ovulate/

People who go for In Vitro Fertilization may have the option of selecting their baby’s sex, but even this is not offered indiscriminately.

Spacing your children allows your wife to rest in between pregnancies and recover her strength. It does not increase your chances of having any particular sex, neither does having them in rapid succession. It’s just not up to you! That’s just the point 🙂

I know that traditionally, we like to think that our family lines can only be propagated through the male species, but remember Obama and Clinton, two great men who have only girls as children. I don’t think the world will forget them in a hurry! Your daughters will bring you absolute joy and happiness and perhaps cater for you in ways that you would not have even expected. Both genders are important and we need to accept both as gifts from God.

Have a good evening y’all 🙂

Be sure to love those lovely children you’ve been given by God, male and female alike 😀

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Daily Health Tips: What Should I Do To Conceive Again After A Miscarriage?

Posted on June 2, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hi Doc, I need help. I lost my baby in February this year and what should I do to conceive again because I am not on family planning

A: Oh sweetheart, condolences. I feel really sad that this happened, but trust me, this too shall pass J Now I don’t know at what stage you lost this pregnancy or if this was the first instance of miscarriage you’ve had. Whatever be the case, this is one of those instances when you have to work closely with your doctor to get back to trying for a baby again.

There are no standard answers really, as to when to start. If this is the first time you’re experiencing a miscarriage, some doctors still advice people to wait 3 to 6 months before trying again so that it’s easier to date the pregnancy etc. Others will just ask you to wait until you’ve had one menstrual period. Be sure to ask your doctor to explain the reason for any recommendation he eventually comes up with so that you understand every step of the process.

If, however, this is not the first time, you may have to go in for some tests to check whether the issue is with hormones, genetics or problems with the uterus.

What to do before you start trying again? Be sure to eat healthy…lots of fruits and vegetables and exercise. Limit caffeine and keep your weight within normal limits. You can start taking folic acid supplements now, even before you get pregnant.

The basic rules of trying to get pregnant also apply: make sure you have sexual intercourse at least 3 times a week (with ejaculation of a significant quantity of semen).

It is normal to feel worried and a bit scared going into another pregnancy, but you have to trust that all will work out well this time. Surround yourself with good professionals (OBGYN) and loving family/friends. Then relax and enjoy the ride 😀

Please write in anytime and let me know if there are other questions you have.

Have a good night y’all 😀

 

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Daily Health Tips: Do I Need Milk?

Posted on June 1, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Today is World Milk Day.!

Do you take milk regularly every day? Or perhaps I should ask, ‘when was the last time you drank milk? Are you one of those who think that milk is only for children? Well, that’s not true. Everyone needs milk: children and adults alike!

Milk is a source of complete protein containing all the essential amino acids needed by but not produced by the body. You’re encouraged to have 3 to 4 servings of milk daily. Remember that this is not just for children. This is a habit that should be started in childhood and continue for life to ensure that you have a good stock pile of calcium to help fight osteoporosis.

Milk contains a lot of nutrients with loads of benefits to the body:

Milk is rich in protein and minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which are needed for healthy growth and development of bones. If milk consumption is started early in life and continued throughout life, it provides protection against osteoporosis…a bone disease that makes bones brittle and easy to break. This is particularly important because from the age of 30, the rate at which bone is built is less than the rate at which it is destroyed. Our bodies also start mobilizing calcium from our bones if there is not enough in our blood from diet, so if you already had a good stock of calcium, you won’t be in trouble

Calcium and phosphorus, abundant in milk, also help the proper growth and development of healthy teeth. The protein in milk forms a thin film over the teeth enamel preventing the loss of calcium from teeth when acidic foods like citrus are taken.

There is moderate evidence that milk consumption helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers blood pressure and also reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Milk can also be used to meet your daily fluid requirements daily as it is made up of a significant amount of water (90%). This applies to fresh milk and reconstituted powdered milk. This ensures that you are well hydrated and helps a lot of other bodily functions like excretion.

Milk helps to give you lovely radiant skin due to its high content of Vitamin A

So, now you know.

 Have a great week ahead 😀

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Daily Health Tips: Food Storage In The Refrigerator

Posted on May 31, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Have you ever wondered why the food you put in the fridge just doesn’t come out fresh? Do you know the right temperature for storing different food items? This video clip gives you a few pointers.

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Daily Health Tips: I Have Ringworm All Over My Body!

Posted on May 30, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Please doctor, my body itches me so much that it causes patches on my skin. The doctor said it’s fungal infection of the skin and I have been taking drugs for almost 6 months now, but the itching didn’t stop. It only subsided. Please help

Q: Good evening Doc, I really need your help at this moment. My friend has a fungal disease called ringworm and it has began to spread all ova her body. She has tried using different medication but didn’t work and she is scared to go to the clinic or pharmacy because it’s embarrassing to tell someone you have ringworm all over you. Please Doctor, can you prescribe drugs or any medication that will free her from this ringworm. Please Doc. Thank you.

A: I’ve got two different questions on fungal infections and so I’ve decided to address it again.

First, you have to be sure that what we’re dealing with is really fungal infection, so be sure that a doctor is making this diagnosis, because the first instance could very well be eczema too. So, let’s be sure…

Fungal infections, ringworm or otherwise, can be embarrassing. Treatment for these infections can also take a long while; so you have to stick with the treatment and make sure that you do not skip any day of treatment. It is important to that your doctor also makes this diagnosis to be sure.

Please don’t be shy to speak with your doctor about your health concerns. Trust me, we’ve seen it all and at the end of the day, the focus is on helping you to be healthy.

Please click on the links below to read all about different fungal infections:

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/02/19/daily-health-tips-is-this-a-fungal-infection/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/03/02/daily-health-tips-i-am-embarrassed-by-the-bald-patches-on-my-sons-head/

Daily Health Tips: What Can I Do About The Eczema On My Skin?

I hope y’all had a great day too.

Good night…TGIF 😀

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Daily Health Tips: Are There Other Treatment Methods For Fibroids Other Than Surgery?

Posted on May 29, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Please ma’am, is there any other treatment for fibroid other than surgery

A: Fibroids develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus (womb). These growths can range in size from seedlings to big masses. They are differentiated by the sites where they are found: inside the cavity of the womb (sub-mucosal), within the muscle of the uterus (intramural), on the surface of the womb (sub-serosal). Fibroids do not cause infertility per se, but sub-mucosal ones in the cavity of the womb, can take up the place where a baby would have implanted causing infertility. Fibroids can also distort the shape of the ovaries and fallopian tubes causing problems with conception.

Hormones are implicated in the development of fibroids as when women get to menopause with resultant decrease in the level of circulating hormones, estrogen and progesterone, the fibroids shrink. Fibroids are more likely to occur in black women, people who take alcohol, people with a family history, people who eat a lot of red meat and little vegetables.  

Symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual bleeding, frequent urination as the mass presses on the bladder, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, pelvic pressure etc. Pain can also result in fibroids when a fibroid has a stalk and gets twisted or when the fibroid grows so fast that it outgrows its blood supply lead to its ‘death’.

Now to your question, there are a couple of different methods for the treatment of fibroids but only your doctor can confirm which one is suitable to you.

If the fibroids are small and causing no problem (probably discovered incidentally), then your doctor will most likely not institute any treatment other than watchful waiting.

If one is around menopausal age and probably has finished having children, some drugs that mimic the effect of menopause are giving. These deprive the fibroids of nutrient supply and thus they shrink. Other treatment modalities may involve using IUCDs which release hormones that reduce the severity if bleeding and pain medications.  With technology advances, there are also non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures that can take care of fibroids. The final options are the tried and tested surgical procedures. Have a long chat with your doctor to determine what options are available in your location and what applies to you.

Fibroids can co-exist with pregnancy in which case pregnancy may be normal or associated with breech pregnancy, pre-term delivery (delivery of pre-mature babies) etc. However, once a woman registers in a good antenatal center under a good obstetrician, these issues will be anticipated and addressed promptly.

If you’re Nigerian, I hope y’all had a good celebration today J

Have a good night.

 

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Daily Health Tips: Can I Take Two Antibiotics At The Same Time?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Good evening doctor. I am highly impressed with your assistance. Please doc, can one use double antibiotic at d same time?

A: The way you asked this question makes me suspect already that perhaps you are making this prescription by yourself or perhaps you approached ‘Dr Lagbaja’ who owns the chemist shop at the corner to mix some drugs for you. Both practices are dangerous. You should not be prescribing for yourself and Dr Lagbaja in the chemist shop is absolutely not a doctor and has no idea what he’s saying or prescribing for that matter!

So, back to the specific question, can 2 antibiotics be used at the same time. Yes. It depends on what’s being treated. I’ll give an example, in Peptic Ulcer Disease due to the organism Helicobacter pylori, the triple therapy is used in the treatment involving 2 antibiotics and another drug. Please be guided by your doctor in terms of what drugs (antibiotics or otherwise) to take, how much and for how long. Antibiotic resistance occurs because people buy and use antibiotics that are not capable of ‘killing’ the organisms causing a disease or even when they are capable, they are not taken in enough quantities or for a long enough time to make the desired impact. In either case, the organism develops the ability to resist the effect of that drug such that when this drug is taken again another time, it will no longer be effective.

For more on antibiotic use, please click n the link https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/04/03/daily-health-tips-how-do-i-cleanse-my-kidneys/

Have a great evening and if you’re Nigerian, ‘Happy Democracy Day’, in advance.

My prayer is that the Chibok girls will be returned home tomorrow as a demonstration of our collective will to have a Government of the people for the people by the people. I pray….:(

 

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Daily Health Tips: What Should I Do After Having My Baby If My Breast Milk Doesn’t Come In Immediately?

Posted on May 27, 2014 by chatwithdrketch

Q: Hey doctor, thanks so much for helping us young mothers. May God richly bless you..
What can be given to a new born baby like 30mins old baby crying and the mother’s breast milk has not started coming out????

 

A: Okay, I’m absolutely impressed that 30minutes after having your baby, you’re awake and energetic enough to think of feeding him! 😀 That’s really awesome and that establishes a bond with the baby immediately…

Feeding should, ideally, start within one hour of having your baby. So, you’re on to a great start. Your breast already has a stock of breast milk but it does take your baby sucking to make the breast milk ‘come out.’ So, the earlier you put the baby to the breast, the sooner proper breastfeeding can be established. Your baby will probably sleep away the first 24 hours or so, so it may be a challenge to put the baby to the breast. Try the best you can and make sure that your baby’s mouth covers the areola which is the dark coloured area of the nipple.

Some women who had their babies through Caesarian Section may also experience delays in breast feeding just like some other women. There’s no specific reason for this and the same advice of putting the baby to the breast often suffices. The more often you put your baby to the breast, the better your milk supply will be.

Just in case you’re worried that your baby will starve before full breast feeding  is established, don’t be. Your baby doesn’t need more than a few teaspoonfuls of colostrums (which your breast already has and baby gets as he suckles) in the first few days. They contain a lot of substances that help build your baby’s immunity. If, however, by 72 hours you’re still not making breast milk, be sure to discuss with your doctor so that he can confirm that your baby is getting enough to eat. Before this time, don’t get tempted to offer glucose water or formula feeds if you plan to breast feed.

Now just in case you wondered about pap with milk and whether this helps breast milk come in faster? Well, my answer is this. If you want to take your pap, please indulge…in sizeable portions. If it helps your breast milk come in, that’s fine. I guess if the pap is watery enough, it will help hydration and you certainly need to be well hydrated for breast feeding to happen without stress 😀

Have a good night 😀

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