CATCH THEM YOUNG, PROTECT YOUR ADOLESCENTS.

CATCH THEM YOUNG, PROTECT YOUR ADOLESCENTS.
In my last piece, I established that the health of the girl child is so important in the adolescence period because of the numbers of hormonal agents at play. I will take it further today by focusing on how to prevent and protect the adolescent girls from contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), oral cancers, genital warts and cancer of the cervix in the future. The adolescent boy is not excluded as they can also be prevented from the same STDs, oral cancers, genital warts and cancer of the penis. A medical breakthrough was reported recently. The world first cervical vaccine for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) made a positive impact on health care a decade after it was first administered. This resulted in a number of new cervical cancer cases being halved. The vaccine also protects against cancers in the throat and mouth in both men and women. Research done in Australia shows that there has already been a 90 per cent reduction in HPV infections in the 10 years that the programme has been running. This is because the vaccine is given routinely to young girls and boys in Australia.
Human Papilloma Virus
Human papilloma virus is a common virus that affects both males and females, which is passed from person to person through sexual contact. It is one of the commonest sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). HPV can stay in the body for years, causing changes to cells that can lead to a wide range of HPV-related cancers and other serious diseases. It is a highly contagious virus that is transmitted through different forms of sexual contact. Approximately 40 types of HPV affect the genital area and spread from person to person through sexual contact.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the few human cancers known to be directly caused by HPV. Most people get rid of the virus themselves without knowing they’ve contracted it, but one per cent of the population that get it get persistent infection that lasts for years. Other risk factors for cervical cancers include smoking, a weak immune system, starting sex at a young age, and having many sexual partners, adolescents who may be experimenting with kissing, oral sex, anal sex are more at risk. At the early stage, cervical cancer typically has no symptoms. Later, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse. While bleeding after sex may not be serious, it may also indicate the presence of cervical cancer. Weight loss is also a late sign of cervical cancer.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area. Genital warts are very common. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Prevention and protection

The best time to be vaccinated is before a person becomes sexually active. If a person has had sexual contact, then they may have been infected with some of these HPV types. If they have already been infected with any of these types, their protection against HPV-related cancers and disease after vaccination may be reduced. A series of three shots is recommended over six months.

Vaccinating males against HPV (protection from penile and anal cancer, some cancers of the head and neck, and genital warts) helps to protect unvaccinated females from cervical and other HPV-related cancers by reducing the spread of the virus.

HPV vaccine is prophylactic, It is 90 per cent protective of cervical cancer. It is recommended for our girls especially before first sexual experience. The concentration has been on girls worldwide, because girls are the one prone to cervical cancer. The disease is the second leading cause of female cancer after breast.

All girls and boys over the age of nine should be given the vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer and other HPV infections and complications in future. Women can also get the vaccine but regular pap smear tests for older females are still essential because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers. This is a sensitisation piece for us to act, spread the word and help to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.Because none of the currently available HPV vaccines protects against all HPV infections that cause cancer, it is important for vaccinated women to continue to undergo cervical cancer screening.

Other measures that may be put in place to support the adolescent includes sexual education and stressing on ways of acquiring/preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),an example is the ABC prevention of  STD: A-Abstaining from sex , B-be faithful to one partner, C- correct and consistent use of condoms. This will help the adolescent live a life free of STDs and ultimately a life free of HPV.

MANAGEMENT OF MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH

MANAGEMENT OF MEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH
Men's sexual health refers to health issues specific to human male anatomy. These often relate to structures such as male genitals to conditions related/caused by male hormone (Testosterone).
When providing health care to a man, a doctor always has it in his mind that beyond curing men’s illness is the improvement of the quality of their life.
Men’s sexual health has become a major public health issue because of the challenges associated with their health which includes: lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues they face, men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling, reluctance to take action when they don’t feel physical or mentally well, men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health, not carrying their partners along, also stigmas surrounding men’s health are also some of the challenges.
Ten common men’s health issues seen in daily clinical practice includes: Erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, zero sperm count, hernia, urethritis, epididymoorchitis, prostatitis, male menopause, bening prostrate enlargement (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Others are premature ejaculations, testicular torsion, and undescended testes.
A patient of mine who was on honey moon had told the wife few days after their wedding that he had to get to the bank, only for him to be in the hospital to complain about inability to have erection.
He got married about five days before coming to the hospital, he said the wife saw her menstrual period on their wedding night ,the sight of blood had affected him that he could not have an erection and this persisted till after the wife menstrual flow ceases on the third day. This is a case of erectile dysfunction.
He was confused and came for consultation. He was counselled, treated and was asked to come for follow up. He was offered medications which was really helpful to him..
The man was called by the hospital staff to remind him of his appointment. He told the staff that the drug is effective and that he will not be honouring the follow up appointment.
Another patient had said the friend told him that such acts of erectile problems during honeymoons are spiritual and that he does not need medical intervention.
Greater percentage of men may be helped via medications even while there is no harm for tackling the problems spiritually via prayers, counselling and support.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) commonly called impotence is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It often causes serious distress, prompting men to seek medical attention they may not otherwise seek.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual problem in men. The incidence increases with age and affects up to one third of men throughout their lives.
It causes a substantial negative impact on intimate relationships, quality of life, and self-esteem. History and physical examination may be sufficient to make a diagnosis of ED in most cases while few may require test.

However, problems affecting men's health extend far beyond erectile dysfunction and other commonly recognized men's illnesses.

About one in 10 men will have an abnormal result on the first Sperm (semen) test but this does not always mean they have a 'true' abnormality. So, if the results of the first semen test are abnormal, the test should be repeated.
Ideally, this repeat test should be done three months after the first, but if it looks as though the sperm count is very low or no sperm at all, it should be repeated as soon as possible.
Another closely related disease is the Sexually Transmitted disease (STD’s), this also affects men adversely as some presented with rashes, sores, warts and wounds on their genitals. This can easily be transferred to the partner with or without symptoms. STD’S can be prevented by being faithful to the partner, abstinence and the use of condoms. The common STD’s that men should  beware of are: Gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Syphillis, Herpes and Genital warts, Chlamidia and the newly discovered STD called Mycoplasma Genitalia, They are highly contagious and men with these should be treated without delay.
The import of this piece is to increase the need for men to seek medical care especially in sexual health issues that are specific to men and also to carry their partners along because some forms of therapies may directly or indirectly come from the women folks. .

MANAGEMENT OF OLIGOSPERMIA

OLIGOSPERMIA

Low sperm count (Oligozoospermia) is one of the main causes of male infertility. It is considered that a man has low sperm count when he has less than 20 million spermatozoa per one ml of ejaculate.

Causes of Low Sperm Count

Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies - deficiency of some nutrients (for example Zinc, Selenium, vitamin C,Testicular injury and disease - injuries that affect the testicles may affect sperm production and cause low sperm count,Problems with sperm production - such problems can be genetic (for example Klinefelter's syndrome) or based on a hormonal disorder ,Overheating - excessive heat from hot baths may decrease sperm production and lower sperm count ,Smoking - smoking cigarettes is known to reduce sperm count and sperm lifespan, Drugs - the use of cocaine and heavy marijuana is known to reduce sperm count by 50%,Excessive alcohol consumption - alcohol is toxic to sperm and may reduce sperm count and quality Environmental toxins, radiation and heavy metals - Obesity - many studies find association between low sperm count and obesity in men ,Stress and excessive physical or mental exertion - these can cause some hormonal changes in the body that can affect sperm count and fertility ,Varicocele – worms like swelling on the scrotum, Bicycling - blood vessels and nerves may be damaged due to the pressure from the bike seats

Tests and Diagnosis of Low Sperm Count

Sperm production is complex - low sperm count can be caused by many factors and should be treated depending on the exact cause. Your doctor will test you and carefully examine your reproductive organs, as part of your examination, you will have to give a semen sample which will be analyzed and the sperm count will be measured. Anything less than 20 million sperm per mls is considered low sperm count. If your sperm count is lower than this number, you may want to consider undergoing a proper treatment.

Treatment for Low Sperm Count

Some commonly used medications and supplements for increasing sperm count are testosterone, certain vitamins, high-protein diets, anti-oxidants, and herbal semen enhancement pills. The effectiveness of most of these has not been clinically tested; yet, there are some quality semen enhancement pills that show significant results in improving both sperm count and quality. In addition to increasing sperm count, Volume Pills provides the following benefits: Improved overall male fertility, improved sperm quality and motility Increased sexual stamina, increased libido and desire for sex, bigger, harder and longer-lasting erections

Prevention

Switch to a healthier, balanced diet, rich in vegetables and whole grains, Exercise regularly. Try to reduce stress, Loose the excess weight. Don't smoke .Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Don't use recreational drugs. Ejaculate less often; maintain a gap of three days between ejaculations. Avoid tight underwear, saunas, hot tubs and anything else that may increase the temperature of the testicles. Maintaining a healthy weight, sticking to a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal drugs can all help you get your sperm count back to normal.

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2018 SUMMIT/SEMINAR

ITS 2 MONTHS TO WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2018

HAVE YOU DONE YOUR ANNUAL HEPATITIS SCREENING?
HAVE YOU DONE YOUR LIVER FUNCTION TESTS?
HAVE YOU DONE YOUR VIRAL MARKERS?
HAVE YOU DONE YOUR ABDOMINAL SCAN(LIVER SCAN)
HAVE YOU IMMUNIZED YOUR CONTACTS,(PARTNERS AND CHILDREN)?
HAVE YOU BEEN COMPLIANT WITH THE DIETARY ADVICE?

JOIN US IN 2 MONTHS TIME FOR 3RD HEPATITIS B SEMINARS/ SUMMIT

REGISTER NOW FOR THE SEMINAR, COUNSELLING ,IMMUNIZATION,SCREENINGS AND MEDICAL ADVICE.

Join us on facebook: HEPATITIS ALERT GROUP
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/732188010298018

HEPATITIS B MANAGEMENT

A man once volunteered to donate blood to his family member who needed blood transfusion. After doing all the necessary checks, the man was told that he was not qualified to do so and was asked to see the doctor for further examination.

On getting to the doctor, he was told he had hepatitis B. He was given medications and managed for six months. After that period, a repeat test was done twice and both came out negative.

The doctor first congratulated the patient, saying his own immune system got rid of the virus, and that his condition was called acute hepatitis.

 A hepatitis B infection can result in either an acute infection or a chronic infection. When a person is first infected with the hepatitis B virus, it is called an “acute infection” (or a new infection).

Most healthy adults infected do not have any symptoms and are able to get rid of the virus without any problems. Some are, however, unable to get rid of the virus after six months and they are diagnosed as having a “chronic infection.” A simple blood test can diagnose an acute or chronic hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B is a global public health threat and the world’s most common liver infection. It is up to 100 times more infectious than the HIV/AIDS virus. It is deadly because the hepatitis B virus attacks and injures the liver. Two billion people, basically one in three people, have been infected worldwide.

Diagnosis

Seeking medical attention if one doesn’t feel well or if one is uncertain about whether or not if one has been infected with hepatitis B. A simple hepatitis B blood test can easily diagnose whether or one has an infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure if one is infected.

Symptoms

Hepatitis B is called a “silent infection” because most people do not have any symptoms when they are first infected. Thus, they can unknowingly pass the virus to others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B.

The common symptoms are fever, fatigue, unexplained weakness, muscle pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, mild nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, pale or light-coloured stools and dark-coloured urine. Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention are severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin (called “jaundice”), bloated or swollen stomach.

Transmission

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. This can most commonly occur in the following ways: Direct contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, use of illicit drugs, needles that are contaminated or not sterile, from an infected woman to her newborn during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Also, body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and even nail salons are other potential routes of infection unless sterile needles and equipment are used. In addition, sharing sharp instruments such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, earrings and body jewellery can be a source of infection. Hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually. It cannot be spread through toilet seats, doorknobs, and sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating meals with someone who is infected.

Prevention

Everyone should be tested; if they have not been infected and have not received the hepatitis B vaccine then they should also start the vaccination immediately. In addition to vaccination, there are other simple ways to help to stop the spread of  the virus. These are:

Washing of hands with soap and water after any potential exposure to blood; use of condoms with multiple sexual partners, non-direct contact with blood and bodily fluids.

 Also, clean up blood spills with a fresh diluted bleach solution (mix one part bleach with nine parts water), cover all wounds carefully, avoid sharing sharp items such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and earrings or body rings. Discard sanitary napkins and tampons into plastic bags, using new sterile needles for tattoos and acupuncture.

Management of hepatitis B

Have you recently been diagnosed with hepatitis B? Has any of your family members or loved ones tested positive for hepatitis B?  You are not alone. In fact, nearly one in three people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis B virus in their lifetimes. Receiving a diagnosis of hepatitis B can be confusing or overwhelming, and may lead to many questions or concerns.

Do you have an acute or chronic infection? When someone is first infected with hepatitis B, it is considered an acute infection. If you continue to test positive for hepatitis B after six months, it is considered a chronic infection.

Pregnancy and hepatitis B:

Babies born to a mother with hepatitis B have a greater than 90 per cent chance of developing chronic hepatitis B if they are not properly treated at birth. It is imperative for pregnant women to know their hepatitis B status in order to prevent passing the virus on to their newborn baby during delivery.

Their new-born must be given two shots immediately in the delivery room: first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, one dose of the Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.

Breastfeeding and Hepatitis B:

The WHO recommends that all women with hepatitis B should be encouraged to breastfeed their newborns. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risk of infection. Since it is recommended that all infants be vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth, any potential risk is further reduced.

Adults living with hepatitis B: All patients with chronic hepatitis B infections, including children and adults, should be monitored regularly since they are at an increased risk for developing complications (cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer).

Are you infected with hepatitis B?

Are you protected from hepatitis B because you were vaccinated or have recovered from a past infection? Are you at the risk of being infected with hepatitis B? It is very important to understand your hepatitis B blood test results so that you can receive the right kind of care and follow-up.

Not everyone who tests positive for hepatitis B will require medication. Other tests like liver function test ,abdominal scan and viral load are important. Depending on your test results, you and your doctor might decide to wait and monitor your condition.

If your test results indicate that you would be a good candidate for treatment, then your doctor will discuss the current treatment options with you.

While living with hepatitis B can be difficult and scary at first, the more information and support that you have, the easier it gets. The most important thing to remember is that hepatitis B is a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) that can be successfully managed if you take good care of your health and your liver.

You should expect to live a long, full life. Once you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, the virus will most likely stay in your blood and liver throughout your life. It is also important to know that you can pass the virus to others, even if you don’t feel sick. This is why it’s so important that you make sure that all close household contacts and sex partners are tested and vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Vaccination

It takes only three shots to protect yourself and your loved ones against hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years.

The hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for adults living with diabetes and those that can be infected in the course of their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth.

Since everyone is at some risk, all adults should seriously consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine for a lifetime protection against a preventable chronic liver disease .To be certain that you are protected against hepatitis B, ask for a simple blood test to check your “antibody titres” that will confirm  whether the vaccination was successful.

The Better Life Medical Mission, an NGO, will on Saturday July 29 organise a seminar in Lagos to mark the World Hepatitis Day 2017. There will be health talks, counselling, hepatitis testing and screening, hepatitis B immunisation and opportunity to join hepatitis support group.

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Call to participate and register on 09094638795, 08186549147. Remember that every single person can be affected by viral hepatitis and we all have a part to play to achieve elimination.