HAVE you set any New Year’s resolutions?
January is full of promises to “start again”, which may fill you with hope or dread.
The Sun’s Dr Zoe helps a reader with a micropenisCredit: Olivia West
Even if it’s the former, going in too hard can lead to a plateau later, if your goals are unrealistic.
My message to you, as a GP, is not to punish yourself. Instead of viewing health as a chore, or list of “don’ts”, I encourage you to think about what you can do.
Every ten-minute walk, every hour of sleep, over scrolling, or just a healthy breakfast, is a deposit for a healthier future.
Let’s move away from the all-or-nothing mindset that leads to February burnout, and instead pick a couple of healthy habits to start today.
You might call them New Year’s resolutions, or perhaps just simple commitments you can stick to.
Be flexible, but don’t give up.
See this year as a marathon, not a sprint.
Here’s a selection of what readers asked me this week . . .
Q) I’M a man of 42 and I have been cursed with a micro penis.
It’s ruining my life.
I haven’t had sex in years and I don’t even masturbate because I hate the bloody thing.
Dr Zoe helps a reader who has a micropenis and hasn’t had sex in yearsCredit: Shutterstock How can I have something done to make it a normal size?
A) Thank you for writing in.
It’s clear this is causing you real distress, and it’s understandable that you feel frustrated and self-conscious.
Concerns about are more common than people think, and they can have a big impact on one’s confidence, relationships and sexual wellbeing.
In adults, a is a very specific medical term: a stretched flaccid length of less than about 7cm (around 2.5in).
Many men who worry about size are actually larger than this, so within the normal range.
and comparison with unrealistic images can give the perception that the penis is smaller than it really is.
If someone truly has a micro penis, the options in adulthood are limited.
Hormone treatments only work in childhood, and surgery carries significant risks, including scarring, altered sensation, and disappointing results.
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to make an adult penis “normal-sized.”
What can be addressed, however, is how you deal with the issue, and how this affects your life.
Sexual satisfaction is influenced far more by confidence, communication and technique than by size alone.
Your avoidance of sex and masturbation suggests that the emotional impact is significant – but there is support available to you.
The best next step is to speak openly with your GP.
They can assess you, check hormone levels if appropriate, and discuss referral to a urologist if needed.
Psychosexual therapy or counselling can also be very helpful in building up confidence and improving intimacy.
Remember, you are not alone, and your feelings are valid.
While there may not be any quick fix, getting professional support can make a real difference to wellbeing and your ability to enjoy life and relationships.
Taking that first step to talk openly about it is worth it.
For the sake of parents who identify this condition in their child, the best time to treat it is in early infancy, when testosterone therapy can substantially increase length – often enough to reach a size within the lower end of the “normal” adult range.
Testosterone therapy in early puberty can cause some increase in length, though results are typically much more modest.
Keep a healthy potassium level
Q) I AM a 75 year-old-man and have been on ramipril 5mg for over 15 years. I am also and .
Following a recent blood test, I was told my potassium level is too high.
Apparently, ramipril can cause an increase in potassium, so it was stopped and I was prescribed amlodipine 5mg instead.
This has now been changed to felodipine 2.5mg due to the side-effects of amlodipine. My blood sugar and blood pressure are well under control.
I asked if diet had raised my potassium level, and about a referral to a dietician, but the GP was non-committal.
The internet advises avoiding high potassium foods, which I am now doing.
A) It’s understandable to feel concerned about changes to your medication.
Ramipril, like other ACE inhibitors which lower blood pressure, is known to occasionally raise potassium levels in the blood.
This effect is usually mild, but in some people – particularly those with diabetes or reduced kidney function – potassium can rise to an unsafe level.
That’s likely why your GP stopped your ramipril and switched you to a calcium-channel blocker like amlodipine, and now felodipine.
These medications don’t usually affect potassium.
Foods such as bananas, tomatoes and potatoes are higher in potassium, but whether they need to be limited depends on your blood results and kidney function.
If your potassium level has returned to the normal range, on the new medication, and your kidney function is OK you can reintroduce these foods in moderation.
If your potassium levels stay high despite stopping the ramipril, then avoiding high-potassium foods is a good idea, and further investigation may be needed.
Red flags to watch for include unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, or palpitations. If you notice these, contact your GP promptly or seek urgent care.
Your GP has taken the right steps by stopping the medication that likely caused the rise of your potassium level.
Q) A FEW weeks ago I went for a blood test, the results showed a high white blood cell count and the doctor wants me to repeat the test in four-to-six weeks.
But what does this high count mean and why would the doctor ask me to repeat the test?
A reader went for a blood test and the results showed a high white blood cell countCredit: Getty
Does it mean there’s something wrong?
A) It’s understandable to feel concerned when a blood test shows something unexpected, and it’s good that you’re being proactive in asking questions.
White blood cells are part of your immune system, helping your body fight infections.
A count higher than normal can have several causes.
Often, it is a temporary response to infection or inflammation – for example, a cold, flu or even a minor wound.
Other factors such as stress, certain medications, or even vigorous exercise, can push the count up slightly.
Because just a single elevated reading doesn’t tell the whole story, your doctor has asked for repeat testing.
This is a very common approach.
It allows your to see whether the white blood cell count returns to normal on its own or remains elevated, which can help guide whether further investigations are needed.
In many cases, the count settles down, and nothing further needs to be done.
A mildly raised white blood cell count does not automatically mean you have a serious condition.
Doctors usually consider your overall health, other blood results, and any symptoms you may have.
If there are any concerning signs – unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats or unusual bruising – it’s important to let your GP know straight away, as this could indicate more serious diseases like or another blood disorder.
If you’re feeling well, there’s no need to worry.
Keep a note of any symptoms you notice between now and your repeat testing, as this can help your doctor interpret the results.
Being asked to repeat a blood test is often a precautionary measure rather than an alarm signal.
It gives your GP a clearer picture and ensures that nothing is missed.
You’re doing the right thing by following up and staying informed – and most often, repeat tests simply show that your blood counts have returned to normal.
TIP OF THE WEEK
AS we age, the sensation of thirst can diminish.
So, do make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day, in order to stay hydrated.
This has all sorts of benefits, including healthy skin, better weight management and even reduced risk of urinary-tract infections.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
