Look at mental, physical issues
Dear Dr. Gott: Some time ago you wrote about the effects of alcohol on the human system. One of these, in men, was the loss of an erection – impotence. For many years I drank myself into a state of unconsciousness just about every night. Boy, were you right. I’ve been sober for more than seven months and wonder if the effects of alcohol will abate? Will I ever return to my pre-alcohol days?
Dear Reader: Potency depends on many factors that include both physical and mental aspects.
For example, as you noted, alcohol adversely affects a man’s sexual abilities.
Other physical considerations – such as severe illness, diabetes, many medications and the normal aging process – may also cause erectile dysfunction.
Common mental conditions may also lead to impotence. These include stress, depression, fatigue and boredom with one’s partner.
Therefore, while I can assure you that your sexual interest and ability will improve once you have been sober for several months, you may need to address the other issues I mentioned if you are to return to your “pre-alcohol days.”
See a urologist. Such a specialist will question and examine you to identify any treatable disorders and will work with your family doctor to diagnose unsuspected physical ailments (and detrimental activities) that contribute to your problem.
In addition, the urologist will offer techniques, ranging from medication to penile implants, which can restore your potency.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Erectile Dysfunction.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: During the course of an examination by my orthopedist for a back problem, he mentioned the term “clonus” as he examined my feet. What is the significance of this term and can it be treated?
Dear Reader: Clonus, which is a difficulty controlling rapid tensing and relaxing of muscles, usually reflects an underlying nerve disorder, such as multiple sclerosis. In my opinion, patients with this disorder should be examined by neurologists.
Dear Dr. Gott: My sister is 89 and drinks a lot of milk – perhaps a half a gallon a day or more. Can she be overdosing on cow juice? Are there health risks from excessive milk consumption?
Dear Reader: In my opinion, the greatest risk from drinking whole milk is the consumption of excess cholesterol. If your sister – bless her heart at 89 – is in otherwise good health, she probably need not alter her lifestyle pattern or diet – although she would probably be better off drinking skim milk instead of whole.
Give her a hug and endorse the fat-free product.