Question: What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

Answer: This is one of those subjects that everybody has a joke about, and truth be told, some of them are pretty funny. The elephant in the room, however, is that erectile dysfunction is no laughing matter in reality. The answer to today’s question then is not just a list of the causes of the condition, but also a quick tutorial on how it can be avoided.

Knowing What the Problem Is

Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection for adequate sexual performance involves both physical and psychological processes. As such, pinpointing exactly where the problem begins and whether it is physical or mental or even both can be troublesome. If the problem is ongoing and persistent, or if there are any underlying health problems, it is usually best to arrange a consultation with your doctor. 

Some of the increasingly common medical conditions linked with erectile dysfunction are heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure. In some cases, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by prostate problems, including prostate cancer, which is another reason not to put off having a check-up, particularly if you are over 30. Post-surgery erectile dysfunction can also occur, and in the majority of these cases, it will cease as the healing process continues. Sometimes, the problem of erectile dysfunction will be brought on by the medication prescribed to treat these conditions. It’s possible in this case that bringing the subject up may bring some embarrassment to the patient, but it’s only by informing your doctor that any possible help can be forthcoming.

Lifestyle Factors

In some cases diet and lifestyle may contribute to the problem. Smoking, for example, can harden the arteries and restrict blood flow around the body, making for a serious, yet completely needless impediment. By the same token, alcohol and illegal drug use can have hinder the process in the short term, particularly on or after a heavy night. This will become more pronounced over time if the abuse of drugs continues, gradually making the ability to have full penetrative sex more and more difficult, even leading to full blown impotence if unchecked. 

A sedentary lifestyle will have a similar effect, though the symptoms may seem less severe and gradual in the short term here. The “couch potato” lifestyle of moving from bed to car to a job that is primarily seated and back again, without taking adequate exercise during free time can be just as harmful to a person’s sex life as drug and alcohol abuse.

Couple either or both of these habits with a less than balanced diet, especially if it is high in fat and cholesterol and the chances of developing some form of erectile dysfunction increase further. These will clog and narrow arteries also, restricting the amount of blood that can reach the penis. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, chances are that you will need some form of medication to control it, obtainable from your local pharmacist, who will also be able to advise on other treatments that may be available.

Beyond Physical Causes

If there are still existing problems with erectile dysfunction even after changes have been made to diet, lifestyle, and exercise regimens, and there are no underlying medical problems of which the condition could be a side effect, then it is likely that there is some other, perhaps psychological, cause. These can usually be put down to stress or anxiety (which will be discussed in a later post). In this case, a professional consultation is the safest and quickest route to take.

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy

Question: Are Vitamin Drinks a Good Idea?

Answer: Getting extra vitamins into our diet is always a good idea, especially when many of us struggle to fit our five a day into our meals. Taking vitamins in liquid form is a great way to make things easier and ensure that we keep topped up all the time. In the short term, vitamin drinks are a great pick-me-up on the move, and over the course of a longer day, a full complement of iron, calcium, and vitamin C etc. will make sure that we’re not run down and alert enough to get the most out of the hours in the day. Finally, by keeping our systems strong, it’s less likely that we’ll come down with any of the usual seasonal ailments like colds and flu, which can make an already gloomy time of year even worse.

Accept no alternatives…

It’s important to make sure that the vitamin drinks we’re taking in are actually healthy and not simply crammed full of sugar. That will keep us pepped for an hour, but the inevitable crash will leave us feeling even worse than we were before. The ingredients on the label here are the key. If you see something along the lines of “Carbonated Water, Sugar…” or “Carbonated Water, Glucose”, then it’s best to put that brand back and try something else.  A high amount of caffeine is not what you’re looking for either, as this will have the same effect. 

Instead, keep an eye out for the drinks with actual fresh fruit (or even concentrate), along with other natural ingredients like nuts or pumpkin seeds. Natural yoghurt is also great for energy also. 

Why not make your own?

It makes sense to try your hand at coming up with your own energy shakes and drinks by investing perhaps in a smoothie maker that includes a transportable container. Not only does this make economic sense in the long term, but it also means that you can sure that everything you’re taking in is completely natural.

Here a quick overview of what you could think about including-

Vitamin A- Strengthens immunity and keeps the eyes sharp, Vitamin A also repairs damage tissue (particularly after strenuous exercise) and helps with growth. It’s found in mangos and apricots, as well as milk and eggs. Shredded carrot is also a nice addition to a shake and full of Vitamin A.

Iron- The root of our red blood cell count and as such responsible for the dispersal of oxygen all around the body, a low iron count means that we lose focus and become sluggish. Avoid becoming dull by adding some diced dried fruit or even a few flakes of a bran cereal to your shake.

Vitamin C- The antioxidant to beat them all, Vitamin C works out the contaminants from our systems and even protects us from serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer. As well keeping our colds and flus less severe it also helps the bones and the rest of the body to digest iron. It’s found in all the fun fruits like oranges, kiwis, and strawberries, and will give you a long lasting pick me up that sugar and caffeine that can only dream of.

To really get the fruit bar or Jamba Juice effect, try adding chilled natural yoghurt or ice to give a revitalising kick, or even experiment with freezing fruit overnight to keep things cool.  

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy

Migraine Treatment

Question: What are the steps to take when a migraine strikes?

“You’re giving me a migraine,” has entered our colloquial vocabulary as a phrase synonymous with ultimate discomfort. It’s no wonder that people who have literal migraines are truly suffering – even more than those with the figurative sort. Migraines may be awful, but that does not mean there is nothing to be done. 

What is a migraine?

A migraine is like a headache, but much worse. Migraine pain is usually located at the front, or on one side, of the head. In some cases, the pain may also occur on both sides of the head and can even affect the face or neck. Migraines can also cause nausea and vomiting. The pain throbs and intensifies if you move. Migraines also increase sensitivity to light. This makes going about your day quite difficult. Instead, when migraines strike, most people tend to hide out in their quiet and darkened bedroom. 

What are the signs a migraine is about to strike?

If you regularly experience migraines you may have noticed subtle changes that indicate that a migraine may be on the way. These can include constipation, depression, food cravings, hyperactivity, irritability, neck stiffness, and uncontrollable yawning. You may also experience visual phenomena such as flashes of bright light, bright spots, seeing various shapes, vision loss, or dizziness. These are sometimes associated with pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg as well as speech or language problems. Of course it is also possible for a migraine to come on suddenly without warning. 

How to improve self-management of migraines 

Because many of the signs of an on-coming migraine are shared with other ailments it can be difficult to notice patterns. You might consider keeping a symptoms log to help you predict when your migraines will strike. Knowing that it is coming is one of the best ways to minimize the effects. 

When migraines strike

The first rule is to take care of yourself. Listen to your body, create the space you need and communicate with loved ones. Communication about what you need when a migraine strikes might make things go smoother before it arrives in full force. 

Muscle relaxation techniques can help ease migraines. You might try a yoga class of the meditative (non-athletic) sort. Look for classes, DVDs, and books on restorative, therapeutic, kundalini and yin yoga. If you take a class, tell the instructor that you experience migraines; he or she may have additional suggestions for you. It is also important to get enough, but not too much, sleep each night. Is there a new pillow or mattress that might improve the quality of your sleep? Try to calm yourself and clear your thoughts before going to bed at night. 

Other options

There are a number of therapies that might be useful to you including acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, and vitamins such as B2 and COQ10, which are available at your local pharmacy. You might also learn helpful techniques through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is offered through mental health professionals.


When to seek medical advice 

If your migraines are frequent yet controlled, you should still your G.P. If you find that you are having migraines five or more times a month then you should consult your G.P. The other reason to consult a physician is the uncontrollable migraine. If you cannot manage your migraines with over-the-counter medication, it’s time to call your G.P. 

When to call an ambulance 

If you or someone else experiences paralysis or weakness in one or both arms and/or one side of the face, slurred or garbled speech, blinding pain unlike anything experienced before, a fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, or a rash, you should take immediate action. These symptoms may feign as a migraine but can actually be indications of more serious conditions such as a stroke or meningitis. 

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy