DIABETICS ARE PRONE TO FUNGAL INFECTIONS

QI am a 50-year-old man, I have sex with my wife once a week. After intercourse, my left testicle gets swollen sometimes and it pains. The pain reaches up to the left side of the pelvic region. Also, sometimes, I get rash on the tip of penis and the foreskin gets swollen. There is no puss formation. My wife also gets a rash on the vaginal lips. The rash subsides and disappear after a week, then we have normal intercourse. What is the problem?

A: The testicular pain may be due to problems in the testis (infections producing epididymitis, orchitis etc) or in the structures surrounding the testicle (hydrocele, spermatocele, Varicocele etc) or even in another part of the body (kidney stones, nerve irritation just below the ribs etc). A thorough examination has to be done to arrive at a diagnosis.

Are you a diabetic? If you are, then do you keep it under adequate control? If it is not under control, you are prone to develop fungal infections, and this may be passed on to your wife. The fungal infection may produce rashes, itchiness and abrasions and swelling in the genitals.

I suggest that you and your wife consult a doctor. Otherwise it will keep getting transmitted from one to the other.

QDear doc, I am 37 years old. I am a diabetic patient taking treatment. For the last 4 years, due to my erection problem, my sex life hasn’t been satisfactory. Even though ejaculation takes place, I am unable to satisfy my wife. I am married for 7 years and have a 6-year-old child. Now I want another baby. Does being a diabetic cause a genetic problem for our baby. Pls advice.

A: Theoretically your child has a risk of developing diabetes. Erectile Dysfunction can occur not only due to the complications of diabetes but also due to other reasons. Get examined by your doctor.