I've Lost My Va-Va-Voom

Jun 29 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

Hubby Says I Must Find My Sex Drive

Q I HAVE lost my sex drive. I went through the change a few years ago and really don't feel like sex at all any more. What can I do as it is affecting my marriage?

A THERE is no quick fix for your problem. Some women lose their sex drive after the menopause due to hormonal changes. My advice would be go to your local well woman clinic and ask for a referral to a psychosexual counsellor. Speak to your husband about it and tell him you want to deal with the problem rather than ignore it. This may help your marriage while you wait for an appointment.

Q I STOPPED smoking a few months ago but feel much worse than I did when I was a 40-a-day man. I can't sleep, feel irritable and have a terrible cough. When will I feel better?

A YOU have done the right thing so don't quit quitting. The cough is your lungs starting to clear out years of tar build-up so you will probably have a cough for up to six months. Sleeplessness may be due to nicotine replacement, especially if you use a patch at night. As for your irritability, try going out for walks or counting to 10 inside your head. It should get better in a few weeks.

Q I HAVE an enlarged prostate and am due to have an operation to fix it. I also get lots of urine infections and my doctor says they may not clear up after the op. Is this true as they are the bane of my life?

A WITH an enlarged prostate it can be difficult to completely empty the bladder and sometimes a pool of urine collects which can make you prone to infections. Once your prostate is fixed it will become easier to empty your bladder which should solve this problem.

Q I AM in my 60s and have noticed that both of my lower eyelids are starting to droop open. My eyes feel dry and irritated all the time. Can I tighten them up?

A YOU have a condition called ectropion. In older people the skin of the lower eyelid can become less elastic and drop. When you blink tears aren't spread as evenly over the eye which causes irritation. Your GP can prescribe artificial tears that help keep the eye moist but you may need surgery.