The Digital Collegian - Published independently by students at Penn State
SCIHEALTH
[ Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004 ]

Health Question & Answer
Answered by UHS

Question

I'm concerned I have a low androgen or testosterone level. I don't have as much of a sex drive as my comparable male friends. I also can't seem to build the muscle mass they can when doing the same workout. My cholesterol is very low; could this affect my testosterone level in any way? I am a 20-year-old white man, small framed and a non-smoker.

Answer

There are many possible reasons for a decreased sex drive, and low testosterone levels may be only one of them. In situations like this, the most important place to start is to meet with your doctor or clinician, who can take a complete history, do a physical exam and, if necessary, perform tests (which may include testing your testosterone level). After this is done, you can sit down with your clinician and come up with a treatment plan based specifically on your needs.


Question

I have had jock itch for about a month now. I have tried different medicines, but nothing seems to work -- not even Lamasil. What should I do?

Answer
Jock itch, a common problem in both men and women, is generally caused by an overgrowth of fungus. It can be quite recalcitrant to over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

If after a month of treatment with OTC medications, there is still no resolution, you should make an appointment to be seen by either a clinician at University Health Services (UHS) or your primary care provider at home.

Various microorganisms other than fungi can cause a rash in the groin area. Only by an examination and perhaps some lab tests can the exact nature of the infection be determined and the appropriate medications prescribed.



Submit health questions online at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/questions/qa.cfm.

All submissions will remain anonymous. Your e-mail address is removed, so UHS does not know who the sender is and can only respond through The Daily Collegian.

This column is not intended to replace advice from your personal clinician. If conditions persist, see a clinician.

 



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