By Francesca Hangeior

Harping on the dangers of obesity, urologists have revealed that men with abdominal obesity commonly known as potbellies are at risk of having erectile dysfunction and poor sexual health.

The experts noted that excess belly fat could interfere with testosterone levels, a key hormone in male sexual function.

They stated that this imbalance could lead to a variety of sexual health issues, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and a decrease in overall sexual satisfaction.

Accrodint to the physicians said excess belly fat was often linked to other health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.

A report by the World Health Organisation revealed that one in eight people in the world is living with obesity with about 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) being overweight.

The global health body added that 890 million out of these overweight adults were living with obesity with 43 per cent of adults aged 18 years and above overweight, while 16 per cent were living with obesity.

The WHO data also disclosed that 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight in 2022, while over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.

In Nigeria, belly fat often called ‘pot belly’ has increasingly become a common sight, with many people associating it with wealth and success.

The idea that a pot belly is a sign of affluence is deeply rooted in the culture, often seen as a status symbol of enjoying life’s comforts, such as rich foods and sedentary lifestyles.

The urologists clarified that having belly fat in men, particularly among the rich, was not a sign of healthy living but an invitation to health problems.

They stressed that excess abdominal fat disrupts hormone balance, including lowering testosterone levels, which is crucial for male sexual function.

A Consultant Urologist, Dr Gabriel Ogah stated that obesity had a multifaceted impact on men’s sexual health.

According to him, obesity reduces testosterone levels and compromises cardiovascular health, thereby increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

“Obesity reduces testosterone and it reduces cardiovascular health. Therefore, ultimately it increases the chances of erectile dysfunction. Whereas if someone is obese and has erectile dysfunction. Belly fat does affect sexual performance,” he explained.

Ogah, Managing Director of Ogah Hospital and Urology Centre in Fugar, Edo State, offered hope, noting that sexual dysfunction linked to obesity was reversible.

“If an obese individual experiences erectile dysfunction and takes steps to control their weight through exercise or diet, their sexual performance will likely improve,” he emphasised.

The urologist reiterated the importance of lifestyle modifications in addressing obesity-related sexual dysfunction.

“It is crucial for obese men to reduce their weight, limit carbohydrate intake, consume more vegetables, and engage in regular exercise. Even without any other interventions, weight loss alone can significantly improve erectile function.”

Also, a consultant urologist, Dr. Emmanuel Eze, stated that excess belly fat could lead to reduced blood flow to the genital area, resulting in erectile dysfunction.

“When fat accumulates around the abdominal area, it can lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, making it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection,” Eze explained.

The reproductive expert further noted that excess belly fat could also lead to hormonal imbalances.

He added that increased fat around the abdominal area can convert testosterone to estrogen, leading to decreased libido and sexual performance.

“Men with pot belly are more likely to experience premature ejaculation, low sperm count, and decreased libido,” he stressed.

He also maintained that maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise could significantly reduce the risk of sexual dysfunction.

“Losing weight and reducing belly fat can improve blood flow, boost testosterone levels, and enhance overall sexual health.

“I will encourage men to consult with urologists or healthcare professionals to address any concerns regarding their sexual health. Early intervention can make a significant difference in improving overall well-being,” Eze advised.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, coupled with a balanced diet, to maintain a healthy weight.

By Francesca Hangeior

Medical practitioners in the field of urology have advised men to take their sexual health seriously by seeking medical evaluation if they are not experiencing morning erection, a common and natural occurrence in healthy men.

The urologists stated that men experiencing persistent erectile issues or concerns should consult a healthcare professional for personalised evaluation and guidance.

The physicians advised men not having morning erections to carry out a comprehensive health assessment, including hormone testing, semen analysis, and lifestyle evaluations, to determine the underlying causes which may be erectile dysfunction or infertility.

According to Healthline, morning erections, a natural occurrence in most men, are often seen as a sign of healthy sexual function. They are typically caused by increased blood flow and hormonal fluctuations during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep.

The health website, however, noted that a notable number of men have reported experiencing a lack of morning erections, raising concerns about potential fertility or sexual health problems.

While some experts suggested that the absence of morning erection could be linked to underlying health issues, including infertility, others argued that it is not a reliable indicator of reproductive health.

A consultant urologist, Dr Emmanuel Eze stated that the body’s ability to have regular morning erections may be a reflection of broader reproductive health.

The physician stressed that the absence of morning erections could signal problems with hormone levels, such as low testosterone, or vascular health, which could affect overall erectile function and, in some cases, fertility.

Eze emphasised that morning erection is a natural occurrence during the REM sleep stage, typically happening 3-5 times per night.

The physician explained that the absence of morning erections could suggest issues such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, or underlying cardiovascular conditions.

According to him, it is normal for men to experience morning erections three to five times each night. These erections are typically spontaneous and occur without sexual arousal. The process is part of the body’s natural hormonal fluctuations and is linked to the functioning of the nervous system and blood flow.

Eze explained that these spontaneous erections during sleep are crucial in maintaining healthy erectile function and, by extension, overall reproductive health.

He emphasised that they are a natural and healthy sign of the body’s ability to achieve and maintain erections, which are important for male fertility.

“While occasional changes in morning erections are normal as men age, a persistent lack of them could point to potential health problems such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, or even more serious conditions like heart disease. Men mustn’t ignore these early warning signs.

“A comprehensive evaluation can help pinpoint the cause and allow for timely treatment options, whether it’s lifestyle changes, therapy, or medications,” Eze added.

Speaking further, the urologist elaborated that the absence of morning erections could be an indication of various medical conditions that might impact sexual and reproductive health.

“Erectile dysfunction is often the result of an imbalance in the body’s ability to deliver blood to the penis. If morning erections are absent, it could be a reflection of poor blood flow or nerve function, which are key contributors to erectile dysfunction,” Eze explained.

In addition to erectile dysfunction, the male reproductive expert noted that the absence of morning erections may also be linked to low testosterone levels.

He added, “Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, essential for sexual function, mood regulation, and the production of sperm. A decline in testosterone can lead to a reduced frequency of morning erections. It can also cause a range of other symptoms, such as fatigue, decreased libido, and loss of muscle mass. While a decrease in testosterone levels is a natural part of aging, significant drops in testosterone could signal more serious health concerns.”

Eze also underscored the connection between erectile function and male fertility, stressing that problems with achieving or maintaining an erection could affect a man’s ability to conceive.

He explained that erectile function plays a critical role in sperm delivery, and when erectile issues arise, they could make it more difficult to engage in regular sexual activity, which could impact fertility.

“There is a direct connection between erectile function and male fertility. If a man is consistently not experiencing morning erections, it could indicate that there’s an issue with his reproductive system, whether it’s a problem with his hormones, blood vessels, or nerve function,” he said.

He pointed out that while the absence of morning erections does not automatically equate to infertility, it could signal underlying problems that should be addressed.

Eze advised that men who notice a persistent absence of morning erections should consult a urologist for an evaluation of their reproductive and sexual health.

He explained that poor blood circulation, which is often associated with heart disease or high blood pressure, can directly affect the ability to achieve erections.

“The vessels that supply blood to the penis are small and delicate, and when these vessels are compromised due to poor cardiovascular health, it can result in a decreased ability to have spontaneous erections.

“Erectile dysfunction is frequently one of the early signs of cardiovascular problems. If a man is not having morning erections, it could be a sign that his vascular health is not in optimal condition. It’s essential to recognise this as a potential red flag and seek medical advice before the issue becomes more severe,” the urologist warned.

However, a Senior Registrar in Urology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Akpo Edewor, argued that the lack of a morning erection is not necessarily an indication of serious health concerns, as many people assume.

Edewor emphasised that the absence of morning erections is not an automatic sign of erectile dysfunction or serious sexual health problems.

He explained, “Morning erections should not be viewed as the definitive measure of sexual health. It is important to understand that men can still maintain erectile function despite not having morning erections. This does not immediately indicate erectile dysfunction.”

The urologist stressed that various factors, such as sleep patterns, stress, or even the time a man wakes up, can influence whether or not he experiences a morning erection.

He further clarified that a key component in assessing erectile health is the ability to achieve an erection in response to sexual stimuli.

“If a man can still attain an erection when engaging with a partner, even without morning erections, this indicates that his erectile function is likely intact,” he stated.

Erectile dysfunction, according to Edewor, is more complex than just the absence of morning erections. It is a condition where a man consistently struggles to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

The physician said various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even the medications used to treat these conditions, could contribute to erectile dysfunction.

He added, “Erectile dysfunction is often linked to vascular health and blood flow. The ability to achieve an erection relies heavily on the circulation of blood to the penis. If the arteries or veins are compromised due to factors like heart disease or diabetes, this can lead to erectile dysfunction. But again, this is distinct from the absence of morning erections.”

He stressed that when men experience difficulties with erections, particularly if the issue persists over time, it is important to consider underlying health conditions, rather than simply focusing on the lack of morning erections.

The United Nations Children’s Fund has disclosed that no fewer than 3.8 million children would be vaccinated against measles across four Northern states.

The UNICEF Health Officer in Bauchi state, Patrick Ako, disclosed this in a news conference on Friday, noting that the vaccination exercise would commence on Saturday and run for seven days.

He highlighted that the four Northern states where the integrated measles campaign would take place include Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.

“For the measles campaign, we have a target of 3.8 million children from nine months to 59 months, which we are targeting across the four states.

“We have received in all the states a total of over 4 million doses of measles vaccines which have been supplied across the four states,” Ako stated.

The Health Officer explained that UNICEF is also going to launch an oral vaccination campaign against polio across five Northern states.

He said, “For the oral polio vaccination, we have a target of 6.8 million children that we are going to reach from zero to 59 months, which is less than five years across five states of Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe,e, and Adamawa.

“The total number of vaccines that have already gotten to them is 7.4 million doses across these five states.

“We are looking at it that no child should be left behind; all children of an eligible age group should be reached and be vaccinated.”

Also speaking, a Social Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, George Eki, said it became imperative for UNICEF to support the Nigerian government in protecting children against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.