Wednes­day, March 13, 2025, marks World Kidney Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidney health and reducing the impact of kidney diseases world­wide. This year’s theme, “Early Detection for a Healthier Future!”, emphasizes the significance of early identification and manage­ment of kidney diseases to prevent complications and ensure long-term health.

Functions of the kidneys

The kidneys are vital organs re­sponsible for several critical bodily functions:

Waste Excretion: They filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, excreting them as urine.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: They regulate the body’s fluid levels and maintain the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potas­sium, and phosphate.

Blood Pressure Regulation: They produce hormones like renin that help control blood pressure.

Red Blood Cell Production: They release erythropoietin, a hor­mone that stimulates the produc­tion of red blood cells.

Bone Health: They activate vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D from the sun cannot be useful if not activated by the kidney.

Causes of kidney

diseases

Kidney diseases can result from various factors, including:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time.

Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis: Inflamma­tion of the kidney’s filtering units can impair function.

Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of cysts in the kidneys.

Repeated Urinary Infections: Chronic infections can lead to kidney damage.

Obstruction: Conditions like kidney stones or an enlarged pros­tate can block urine flow and harm the kidneys.

Other conditions are

#Low birth weight

# Obesity

# Abuse of painkillers

# Aphrodisiac/ bitters

# Some herbal medicine

# Prolonged use of prescrip­tions drugs

Stages of kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is categorised into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney function:

Stage 1: Normal or high GFR (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²) with some signs of kidney damage.

Stage 2: Mild decrease in GFR (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²) with evidence of kidney damage.

Stage 3: Moderate decrease in GFR (30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²). This stage is often divided into:

3a: GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m².

3b: GFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m².

Stage 4: Severe decrease in GFR (15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²).

Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²), often requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Early stages (1 and 2) may not present noticeable symptoms, mak­ing early detection through regular screenings crucial. As the disease progresses to stages 3 through 5, symptoms become more appar­ent, and the risk of complications increases.

Prevention of Kidney

Disease

Preventing kidney disease involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

Control Blood Sugar: Proper management of diabetes can pre­vent kidney damage.

Manage Blood Pressure: Keep­ing blood pressure within the normal range reduces the risk of kidney disease.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obe­sity increases the risk of conditions that harm the kidneys.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the kidneys and worsen existing kidney disease.

Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake supports kidney function. Drink between 2.5L -3.5Litres of water daily.

Limit Over-the-Counter Painkill­ers: Excessive use of NSAIDs can cause kidney damage.

Regular Check-ups: Routine screenings can detect early signs of kidney issues, especially in individ­uals with risk factors.

Healthy Lifestyles Promoting Proper Kidney Function

Adopting certain lifestyle prac­tices can enhance kidney health:

Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and kidney function.

Regular Physical Activity: En­gaging in exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, reducing the risk of kidney disease.

No Alcohol Consumption: Eliminating alcohol intake prevents additional strain on the kidneys.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect blood pressure and kidney health; practic­es like meditation can be beneficial.

By understanding the func­tions of the kidneys, recog­nizing the causes and stages of kidney disease, and adopt­ing preventive measures and healthy lifestyles, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney-relat­ed health issues.Source—www. worldkidneyday.org/www. verywellhealth.com

Hemor­rhoids, commonly referred to as piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that cause discomfort, itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. They can be triggered by factors such as chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, straining during bowel movements, and poor diet. Interestingly, some individuals have reported a peculiar phenomenon: their hemorrhoids shrink immediately after sex and ejaculation. This observation has sparked curiosity and a need to ex­plore the physiological mechanisms behind it.

In this article, I delve into the po­tential reasons behind the temporary shrinkage of hemorrhoids follow­ing sexual activity and ejaculation, examining the roles of circulation, hormonal release, muscle contrac­tion, and stress relief.

Understanding hemorrhoids

Before exploring the connection, it is essential to understand how hemorrhoids form. Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in the lower rectum become swollen due to increased pressure. This can occur due to:

• Straining during bowel movements

• Sitting for prolonged peri­ods

• Obesity

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea

• Pregnancy

• Poor dietary habits (low fiber intake)

Hemorrhoids are classified into internal and external types. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are usually painless but may cause bleeding. External hemor­rhoids form under the skin around the anus and can be painful and itchy.

The role of blood circulation in hemorrhoids

One of the primary factors con­tributing to hemorrhoidal swelling is poor blood circulation in the rectal veins. When blood pools in these veins, it leads to inflamma­tion and swelling. Any activity that promotes proper blood circulation can potentially reduce hemorrhoidal congestion, leading to a temporary shrinkage of the swollen veins.

Physiological effects of sex and ejaculation on hemorrhoids

Several mechanisms might explain why hemorrhoids shrink after sexual activity and ejaculation:

1. Redistribution of blood flow

During sexual arousal and orgasm, blood flow is redirected to differ­ent parts of the body, particularly the genitals, brain, and muscles. This redistribution may temporarily reduce congestion in the rectal veins, leading to a decrease in hemorrhoid size. Additionally, the increased heart rate and improved circulation during sexual activity may help clear excess blood pooled in hemorrhoidal veins.

2. Hormonal influence: The role of oxytocin and endorphins

Sex and orgasm trigger the release of hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins. These hormones have multiple beneficial effects:

• Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” has vasodilatory (blood vessel-widening) properties that improve blood flow and reduce vascular congestion.

• Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, which may alleviate the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

• Dopamine and serotonin, other neurochemicals released post-ejaculation, contribute to relax­ation and stress reduction, factors that indirectly aid in hemorrhoidal shrinkage.

3. Pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation

Ejaculation involves rhythmic con­tractions of the pelvic floor muscles. These contractions may assist in improving blood flow and reducing pressure in the rectal veins, leading to a temporary reduction in hemorrhoid size. Additionally, sex-related physical activity engages the lower abdominal muscles, which may help promote better circulation in the pelvic region.

4. Stress reduction and relaxation

Chronic stress and tension can exacerbate hemorrhoidal symptoms by contributing to increased muscle tightness, inflammation, and poor digestion. Sex and orgasm induce a deep state of relaxation, lowering stress hormones like cortisol. Re­duced stress levels may improve di­gestive health, leading to softer stools and less straining, which ultimately benefits hemorrhoidal health.

5. Temporary decongestion of veins

Ejaculation may act as a short-term venous decongestant. The rapid fluid expulsion and muscle con­tractions might create a temporary shift in venous pressure, leading to less swelling in the rectal veins. This could explain why some individuals experience immediate relief after sex.

Why the shrinking effect is tem­porary

Although the physiological effects of sex and ejaculation provide temporary relief, they do not cure hemorrhoids. The underlying causes, such as poor diet, prolonged sitting, or straining, remain unaddressed. Over time, if these contributing factors persist, hemorrhoidal swelling will likely return. Therefore, it is essential to adopt lifestyle changes to prevent recurring symptoms.

Long-term solutions for hemor­rhoid management

While the temporary relief expe­rienced after sex may be intriguing, it is crucial to implement long-term strategies to manage and prevent hemorrhoids. Here are some evi­dence-based approaches:

1. Increase fiber intake

A high-fiber diet promotes soft stools and prevents constipation, reducing strain during bowel move­ments. Foods rich in fiber include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Legumes (beans, lentils)

• Nuts and seeds

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking adequate water (at least 8 glasses per day) helps maintain soft stools and reduces the risk of constipation.

3. Avoid prolonged sitting

Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces, increases pressure on the rectal veins. Taking breaks to stand and move around can help alleviate this pressure.

4. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, improves circula­tion and prevents excessive pressure on the rectal veins.

5. Practice proper toilet habits

• Avoid straining during bowel movements.

• Do not sit on the toilet for prolonged periods.

• Use a stool or squat position to ease bowel movements naturally.

6. Use topical treatments

Natural remedies such as witch hazel, aloe vera, and coconut oil can help soothe inflamed hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone may also provide relief.

7. Consider medical interventions if necessary

For severe or persistent hemor­rhoids, medical treatments such as rubber band ligation, sclerothera­py, or hemorrhoidectomy may be required.

Conclusion

The temporary shrinkage of hemorrhoids following sex and ejac­ulation is an interesting physiological response likely driven by improved circulation, hormonal changes, muscle contractions, and stress relief. While this effect provides short-term comfort, it is not a cure. To effectively manage hemorrhoids, one must adopt a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, proper hydration, exercise, and good toilet habits.

For those experiencing chronic or severe hemorrhoidal symptoms, consulting a healthcare profession­al is advisable to explore the best treatment options. Understanding how the body responds to different stimuli, including sexual activity, can offer insights into managing com­mon health conditions in a natural and informed manner.

The author is a Professor of Naturopathy, a Lawyer(Gambia Bar), and a Chartered Health Economist. e-mail: professor40na­turopathy@gmail.com

BY PROF. RAPHAEL NYARKOTEY OBU

 I got a phone call a couple of weeks ago and when I picked up my phone to see who was calling me, I saw it was my sister. When I responded, I heard to my sur­prise the voice of my brother-in-law who had returned to Ghana and was calling to say hello.

This man’s voice immedi­ately reminded me of the June 3 fire disaster near Kwame Nkrumah Circle. It was just by God’s grace that he escaped that unfortunate incident that has severely impacted many lives in the country.

I recently watched a heart wrenching spectacle of a woman wailing uncontrollably on TV, because of the calam­ity that has befallen her as a result of a fire disaster. When interviewed, her predicament was revealed regarding how she was going to pay for a loan she had just contracted when the stock of items she had invested the funds in, had all been destroyed by fire.

Still on the subject of suf­fering as a result of fire disas­ters, I could hardly hold my tears as I heard the moanings of agony from a patient who had received severe burns covering almost 90 per cent of his body.

It was indeed a terrible sight and it reminded me of another fire disaster that led to the burning to death of a former work colleague when his house caught fire. A policy of dealing with fire disaster prevention, must be established immediately or the existing ones improved to take care of the current challenges of fire disasters.

As someone who comes from an industry where safety cannot be compromised, I take special interest in safety issues. Watching the news on TV last week, a nurse nar­rated how most of the burns cases that were brought to the hospital involved chil­dren, who were burned as a result of hot water splashing on someone through horse play, fighting etc.

These are cases that could have been avoided, if parents had been a bit more careful in taking care of their chil­dren. Apart from the pain that patients suffering from burns endure, the psycho­logical trauma that the scars resulting from their injuries creates, in some instances, they cause mental challenges like schizophrenia, suicidal tendencies etc. What has to be done to prevent fire disasters must seriously en­gage the attention of policy makers.

An educational drive of fire prevention must be estab­lished so every Ghanaian will begin to appreciate the hazard fire poses and what can be done to prevent fires in our homes, workplace, schools, offices etc.

This education must start from the kindergarten level right up to the tertiary level. The good book says train a child the way he should go and when he grows, he will not depart from it. Govern­ment organisations like the Information Services De­partment under the Ministry of Information and Nation Commission for Civic Educa­tion (NCCE) as well as Na­tional Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), should be encouraged to execute a concerted effort to ensure a successful educational pro­gramme for fire prevention.

The first thing that needs to be done is to implement enforcement of fire extin­guishers being present in ev­ery house, being of the right type and the right capacity. Basic things like switching off the main power source in the event of electrical fire in the house must be taught.

I believe the outreach programme should involve churches, various women groups, various departments and organisations both private and public and finally various associations.

NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’