Dr. ABBAS 

Sexual Iron Man
Q. My fiancé and I had sex for the first time and it was wonderful. My concern is that it lasted for about three hours. He would ejaculate but then he would be erect again in one or two minutes. I thought it was because it was our first time, but he has been like this every time since. Will it hurt him to have an erection for such a long, or should I just enjoy it?
Concerned Reader, Dar es Salaam.

A. The time that it takes a man to regain his erection after having an orgasm is called the refractory period. In younger men, this period can be as short as one or two minutes, or even less.
As a man ages, it lengthens to hours, days and even longer in very old men. So the first thing I have to say to you is if you are enjoying these long sex sessions, you might as well go ahead because they will not last forever. The question is, what if you are not enjoying them? What if you would like to stop after, say, only one hour? While your fiancé can certainly have erections soon after he has climaxed, it is doubtful that he feels as aroused the second, third or fourth time as he did the first.
So if you want to stop, tell him you have had enough, and his erection will disappear on its own without any discomfort to him. If a man is very aroused and has not climaxed for a while, he might suffer some discomfort having to end a lovemaking session before he has an orgasm, but even that would not be life threatening. If you have given him at least one orgasm, do not feel too bad about wanting to stop. If you are willing to keep going, then enjoy it while you can.

Pus Tears
Q. I am 42 years old and have discharge of tears all the time. Pus is released when pressure in the corner of the eye is applied. There is painful red swelling at the corner of the eye. What is it? What can be done? Kindly let me know.
Reader, DSM.

A. You are suffering from dacryocystitis. The inflammation of the tear discharge system in the corner of the eye next to the nose usually is caused by a blockage of the tear channel as in a newborn baby.
In older people, inflammation of the tear duct usually leads to chronic inflammation. The symptoms are continual watering of one eye and pus in the eye. Pus is released when there is pressure in the corner of the eye next to the nose.
Chronic inflammation of the lachrymal sac can develop into acute inflammation, with painful red swelling occurring in the corner of the eye. The eyelids also swell up as a result of the inflammation, and the patient may have a fever.
The treatment of inflamed sac in newborn babies consists of administration of antibiotics eye drops and massaging the blocked tear duct several times a day. If this is not sufficient, an eye surgeon can unblock the tear duct by rinsing or by using a probe.
When chronic infection occurs in older people, the same approach is adopted.
However, if acute inflammation of the tear duct arises, the patient must remain in bed and antibiotics are administrated. Compresses are applied to the inflammation. The abscess may possibly be lanced.
After this, an operation is usually required to form a new tear duct.

Being Overweight
Q. I am 16 years old and my weight is already around 100 kilograms. I really want to lose weight. What do you suggest I can do?
Concerned Reader, Lindi.

A. Losing excess weight should be a gradual process. You should aim to lose little in a week till you reach a weight, which is ideal for your height and build. The most effective way to lose weight is by modifying your eating and drinking habits and taking regular exercise. Eat three moderate meals a day rather than one large and remember that it is the type of food you eat which is important not just the quantity. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and salads. Choose low fat foods.
Use all fats, oils, margarine and butter, sparingly. Whenever possible, choose lean meat instead of fatty meats and meat products. Stick to low fat dairy products. Drink plenty of fluids like water and low calorie soft drinks, and cut down on high calories. Avoid sugar, sweets, crisps, biscuits, pastries and pies, as these are all high in calories. Regular activity such as walking or swimming is very important. It will help shed some weight and tune up the body’s weight regulation system. Once your weight is right and you have made lifestyle changes and new food choices to help maintain a healthy weight, you will look trimmer and feel better. Your risk of serious illness will reduce.