Priyanjali Ghose brings an only-men's manual to dealing with embarrassing disorders
Priyanjali Ghose brings an only-men's manual to dealing with embarrassing disorders
Body odour
If you have been on a date and caught your date puckering her nose, it may be the BO (body odour) at play. Dermatologist Shreyas Kamath says the reason is simple: men sweat more than women. "Body odour indicates poor hygiene. But it can also be caused by certain medical conditions, which produce more sweat than the average."
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Body's cooling mechanism
Kamath defines perspiration as the body's natural way of cooling down. He clarifies that sweat itself is odourless but when bacteria grow from it, they break down sweat into aromatic fatty acids that produce an unpleasant odour.u00a0 Medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, Carcinoid Syndrome (caused due to tumours) and side effects of antidepressants can also cause excessive sweating.
How to deal with it
ufffd Wash your armpits, groin and space between your toes thoroughly each time you shower. This is where most sweat-producing glands lie.
ufffd Use anti-perspirants and deodorants, and shave armpits regularly.
ufffd If you sweat a lot, it's best to shower twice a day.
ufffd Wash clothes that come in contact with sweaty areas (socks, underwear and shirts) regularly. Don't wear yesterday's shirt, for instance.
ufffd Increase water intake.
Male breasts
It's not an issue that's discussed by the water cooler at work but Gynaecomastia or enlargement of breasts in men is a a common embarrassment for men.
Related to obesity
According to obesity consultant, Jayashree Todkar from DR LH Hiranandani Hospital, "Hormonal imbalance due to a fall in the male hormone testosterone, and high levels of female hormone estrogen, causes the growth of mammary glands in men. Obesity is also linked to the enlargement of breasts; a waistline beyond 90 centimetres is considered to be a condition of central obesity for a man and is an indicator of ill-health," says Todkar.
Sexual dysfunction, metabolic disorders, fall of the fertility index and body pain are some of the ill effects of obesity. "Obesity is like a time bomb that's ticking in your body. Developed breasts make men hesitate while picking fitted clothes, and they feel that their acceptance in social circles is hampered."
How to deal with it
ufffd Cut down on junk food.
ufffd Indulge in 45 minutes of physical activity daily.
ufffd Don't shy away from consulting a hormone expert.
Premature ejaculation
Sexologist and senior relationship counsellor Rajan Bhonsle says premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem that Indian men between the age of 30 and 35 face.u00a0
Fear and anxiety are culprits
According to Bhonsle, in 99.9 per cent of cases, it's psychogenic disorders, including fear and anxiety that cause a man to ejaculate before his partner has reached fulfillment point. "I have seen marriages and relationships crack because of this. The woman gradually loses interest if she is consistently dissatisfied," he explains.
How to deal with it
ufffd Long term treatments include counselling and practicing Kegel exercises (consists of contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor) that strengthen the muscles and sustain excitement. Experts claim that if you practice regularly, you should see an improvement in 4 to 6 weeks.
ufffd Consult a sexologist.u00a0
ufffd Use anesthetic jellies one to three hours before enjoying sex.
ufffd While masturbating, before ejaculating distract yourself with non-sexual thoughts to bring down the excitement, and then again rebuild it.
Halitosis or bad breath
A National Health Survey research in the UK rated bad breath or Halitosis as the number one workplace
offender for men.
Protein breakdown effect
According to Karishma Jaradi, aesthetic dentist from Dentzz Dental Care Centre, bad breath is due to the breakdown of proteins caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Common causes of bad breath include dehydration, sore teeth, food stagnation between teeth, gum infection, smoking and alcohol. Defining bad breath as a social ailment, Jaradi says, "Those who suffer from bad breath often shy away from making conversation and have to deal with low self-esteem."
How to deal with it
ufffd Floss regularly, use an anti-cavity mouthwash and brush your teeth vertically not horizontally to dislodge food particles. Gargle after every meal.
ufffd Avoid excessive smoking, drinking and eating spicy foods. Brush after eating milk products, fish and meat.
ufffd Chewing sugar-free gum helps because it encourages the flow of saliva without causing tooth decay.
ufffd An apple is the simplest cure for bad breath.
ufffd Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
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