THEGAYUK

Author: Dr Nitin Shori

  • DILEMMA | I’ve just found out that I’ve got genital warts, what should I do?

    DILEMMA | I’ve just found out that I’ve got genital warts, what should I do?

    A reader discovers that he’s got genital warts and want to know if he can treat them himself, Dr Nitin Shori answers the question.

    I have genital warts... Can I get rid of them with a cream?

    Dear TGUK

    I just found that I have genital warts and don’t want to get them frozen off, which I heard is the way to get rid of them.

    Can I get a cream buy one or get one without the doctor having to look?

    Liam

    Hello Liam

    Genital warts are very common in England – second only among sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after chlamydia.

    They often appear as small fleshy growths or lumps in the genital or anal areas and are caused by a viral skin infection related to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

    While they can look unsightly and can sometimes bleed, they don’t usually cause any real threat to your health.

    However, they are a reminder of the need to take adequate precautions against STIs, many of which have very serious health consequences.

    As well as being passed on during sexual intercourse, genital warts can also be spread via skin-to-skin contact.

    It’s important to understand that a condom won’t always protect you and that it is possible for HPV to be transferred from apparently healthy skin.

    As you know, genital warts can be frozen off the skin using a technique called cryotherapy. Medical professionals can also use laser treatments, surgery or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove genital warts.

    You’d prefer not to have to see a doctor to have your genital warts removed and you’ll be pleased to learn that prescription liquids and creams could be available for you to use at home if you have been previously diagnosed with genital warts by a doctor.

    Following an online consultation, the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor Service could prescribe you with one of a number of creams and liquids used to remove genital warts.

    Some work by stimulating the body’s immune system against HPV, while others have a directly toxic effect on the wart itself.

    Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to get yourself checked for other STIs if you think there’s a risk that you might have been infected.

    Have you got a dilemma you’d like to ask? Click here to get your question answered.

  • DILEMMA | Is my depression medication stopping me from getting hard?

    DILEMMA | Is my depression medication stopping me from getting hard?

    Can medication affect your ability to get hard and stay hard? Dr Nitin Shori answers your question.

    CREDIT: Feel Photo Art / Big Stock Photos

    Dear TGUK,

    I’m in my 30s and I’ve been having trouble getting it up. I’m currently on medication for depression so I’m wondering if that is what is causing my ability to get hard. I don’t want to come off the depression meds, but my failure at not being able to keep an erection is causing a few issues in the bedroom.

    Paul

    Dear Paul,

    A low sex drive and inability to maintain an erection can be a side effect of many antidepressants. However, depression itself can also cause these same problems.
     
    It’s important that you treat your depression and tackle the underlying factors that might be causing it. If you speak to your GP they may be able to change your medication to one that has less of an affect on your libido or consider whether your depression itself is the cause.
     
    There are also other factors that can affect your sex drive and it may be worth considering them.
     
    Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a very common condition, particularly among older men.
     
    Stress, anxiety, fatigue and certain health conditions are also common factors in causing impotence, while excessive drug or alcohol miss-use can also affect sexual performance.
     
    Another factor could be age. Testosterone levels naturally start to fall for most men from the age of about 30 or 40.

    PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

    While many automatically associate testosterone with sexual performance, this powerful hormone has a much wider influence and can often impact on energy levels and motivation, as well as loss of strength and muscle mass.
     
    If the above is ringing bells you can test for testosterone and consider gels or supplements which will boost your levels. You can get testosterone testing kits and prescriptions online if you’re pressed for time to see your doctor and want to rule this out.
     
    There’s also a range of products that can help with erectile dysfunction available online if you want to be discreet, including Viagra.
     
    Given your circumstances, you should discuss your antidepressant medication with your GP before you start exploring other potential causes of impotence.

     

    Have you got a dilemma? Click here to let us know about your dilemma

  • ADVICE | I have genital warts… Can I get rid of them with a cream?

    This week a reader asks how he might get rid of genital warts, Dr Nitin Shori answers the question.

    I have genital warts... Can I get rid of them with a cream?

    Dear Doctor

    I have genital warts and don’t want to get them frozen off again. Can I get a cream buy one or get one without the doctor having to look?

    Liam

    Hello Liam

    Genital warts are very common in England – second only among sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after chlamydia.

    They often appear as small fleshy growths or lumps in the genital or anal areas and are caused by a viral skin infection related to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

    While they can look unsightly and can sometimes bleed, they don’t usually cause any real threat to your health.

    However, they are a reminder of the need to take adequate precautions against STIs, many of which have very serious health consequences.

    As well as being passed on during sexual intercourse, genital warts can also be spread via skin-to-skin contact.

    It’s important to understand that a condom won’t always protect you and that it is possible for HPV to be transferred from apparently healthy skin.

    As you know, genital warts can be frozen off the skin using a technique called cryotherapy. Medical professionals can also use laser treatments, surgery or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove genital warts.

    You’d prefer not to have to see a doctor to have your genital warts removed and you’ll be pleased to learn that prescription liquids and creams could be available for you to use at home if you have been previously diagnosed with genital warts by a doctor.

    Following an online consultation, the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor Service could prescribe you with one of a number of creams and liquids used to remove genital warts.

    Some work by stimulating the body’s immune system against HPV, while others have a directly toxic effect on the wart itself.

    Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to get yourself checked for other STIs if you think there’s a risk that you might have been infected.