Patient Story 05: Is Being Overweight Affecting Your Sex Life? Read About Winning the Fight Against Sexual Health Issues and Obesity

In this story, we follow Ram, a 35-year-old man from Bangalore, who overcame sexual health and obesity challenges with the help of a comprehensive health service. Despite the struggles in his newly married life, Ram’s determination and expert guidance transformed his health and relationship. This story takes you through Ram’s journey of self-improvement, illustrating how a holistic approach to health can lead to significant life changes.

Recognizing the Challenge

Ram (name changed), a 35-year-old resident of Bangalore (originally from Kolkata), faced a challenging period in his life shortly after getting married. He was struggling with erectile dysfunction, a condition that made it difficult for him to achieve and maintain an erection during intercourse. This issue was not present when he masturbated, which added to his confusion and stress. Ram and his wife were also battling obesity, which they suspected was affecting their sex life.

The impact of these problems on Ram’s personal life was significant. He felt embarrassed and under pressure, which strained his relationship with his new wife. They were both unhappy and stressed, unsure how to address the issue that overshadowed their marital bliss.

Before getting help, Ram looked online for ways to solve his problems. He read articles, watched videos, and used some products he bought, but they didn’t work well. So, he decided to look for a more organized and expert way to deal with his issues.

Path to Professional Guidance

During his online search for a reliable solution to his sexual health issues, Ram discovered a comprehensive health service. Intrigued by the structured approach, he decided to engage further by taking an assessment on the Allo website. This assessment was designed to understand his specific needs and conditions, guiding the path to a tailored treatment plan. Intrigued by Allo Health’s reputation for dealing with sexual health comprehensively, he decided to book an appointment. In June 2023, Ram visited Allo Health’s Electronic City, Bangalore clinic, and met Dr. Raj, a specialist in sexual health.

Dr. Raj listened attentively to Ram’s concerns. After a thorough discussion, Dr. Raj observed, “It seems your erectile dysfunction is not just a physical issue. The anxiety from the pressures of an unconsummated marriage appears to be a significant factor.” He also noted the potential impact of Ram’s obesity on his sexual health, stating, “Your weight could be contributing to your sexual health challenges, making it harder for your body to function as it should during sexual activity.”

Dr. Raj’s understanding of Ram’s condition was comprehensive. He considered both the psychological and physical aspects, which helped in crafting a personalized treatment plan. This approach marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ram’s journey toward better health and sexual well-being.

Root Cause: Diagnosis and Realization

In his journey with Allo Health, Ram delved into the root cause of his problems under the guidance of Dr. Raj. The diagnosis revealed that Ram’s erectile dysfunction was primarily psychological, exacerbated by the stress and pressure of his marriage expectations. However, obesity also played a significant role, impacting his physical health and sexual function.

Ram reflected on his experience, saying, “I never realized how much my weight and mental state were affecting my sexual health. Dr. Raj helped me see the connection between my body, mind, and sexual performance.”

Through detailed consultations, Dr. Raj identified that the combination of psychological stress and physical health issues like obesity were key contributors to Ram’s condition. This dual-factor diagnosis was crucial in developing an effective treatment plan for him. Ram’s acknowledgment of these factors marked a pivotal step in his journey to recovery and overall well-being.

Immediate Actions and Comprehensive Treatment Plan

After understanding the underlying reasons for Ram’s health challenges, the doctor embarked on a detailed treatment strategy. The initial phase focused on tackling erectile dysfunction, a critical aspect of Ram’s health concerns. To this end, a specialized group of erectile dysfunction medications, known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, was prescribed.

PDE5 inhibitors serve a specific function in the treatment process. They target and inhibit the activity of an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type-5. This enzyme, when active, can lead to the premature breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) within the penile tissue. cGMP is crucial for regulating blood flow to the penis, and its adequate levels are essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.

By preventing the enzyme from working too quickly, PDE5 inhibitors ensure that cGMP levels remain high enough to allow for normal erectile function. This action makes these medications highly effective for managing erectile dysfunction, as they facilitate the necessary blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving and sustaining an erection.

In Ram’s case, the prescription of PDE5 inhibitors was carefully chosen, considering his specific health profile and the particular characteristics of his erectile dysfunction. This personalized approach aimed to offer the most effective and safe treatment, aligning with his overall health needs and ensuring that the medication would provide the desired outcome.

Since Ram frequently moved between Kolkata and Bangalore, Allo ensured seamless delivery of medications to either location. Despite being with his family in Kolkata, obtaining the medications was never a concern, as Allo dispatched them in discreet packaging to maintain confidentiality and convenience.

Alongside medication, Dr. Raj emphasized the importance of tackling Ram’s obesity to improve his overall sexual health. He advised a combination of dietary changes and regular exercise, designed to help Ram lose weight healthily and sustainably. The doctor recommended a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, alongside a structured exercise regimen that included cardio and strength training activities.

Therapy was also introduced as a crucial component of the treatment to address the psychological factors contributing to Ram’s condition. Ram’s therapy session was conducted by Mrs. Satadeepa Som, a Psychologist with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. Satadeepa explained, “Addressing the mental aspect is as important as the physical. Therapy will help you manage stress and anxiety, which are significant contributors to your condition.”

The immediate action taken was holistic, targeting both the physical and psychological aspects of Ram’s health, and setting the foundation for his journey toward recovery and improved well-being.

Regular Follow-Ups and Tailored Adjustments

Ram, hailing from Kolkata, regularly commuted between Bangalore and his hometown. To accommodate his fluctuating schedule, Allo adjusted appointments to suit his needs, offering either in-person sessions at the clinic or online appointments.

Ram’s treatment plan included 5 follow-up follow-ups, every 3-4 weeks, with Dr. Raj to monitor his progress and adjust his prescription as needed. During these sessions, Ram shared updates on his health, including improvements in his sexual function and weight loss achievements.

After each follow-up, Dr. Raj carefully reviewed Ram’s progress. He adjusted the medication dosage and recommended enhancements to the diet and exercise plan to better align with Ram’s evolving health status.

These regular check-ins helped Dr. Raj to stay informed about Ram’s condition and ensured that the treatment remained effective and responsive to his needs. The adjustments made during the follow-ups were crucial in supporting Ram’s journey toward better health and improved sexual well-being.

Transformative Journey: Path to Renewed Health

Through his dedication and the expert care provided by Dr. Raj, he successfully overcame his sexual health challenges and made significant strides in improving his overall well-being. Losing 20 kilograms and gaining control over his erectile dysfunction, Ram experienced a renewed sense of confidence and happiness in his personal life.

His story is a testament to the power of comprehensive healthcare that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of sexual health. Ram’s journey underscores the importance of seeking professional help, staying committed to the treatment plan, and the positive impact of holistic health management. It’s a powerful reminder that with the right support and personal determination, overcoming complex health issues is indeed possible.