What are the early signs of genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear as small growths in the genital or anal area and may develop weeks to months after exposure. In this episode, we explain early symptoms and how HPV-related conditions are assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• What genital warts are (benign skin growths caused by low-risk HPV types)

• Early appearance: small flesh-coloured or grey bumps

• Texture changes: smooth, flat, or cauliflower-like clusters

• Common locations in men and women

• Itching, irritation, or bleeding (less common)

• Transmission through skin-to-skin sexual contact

• The role of HPV vaccination in prevention

• When topical treatment or procedural removal may be considered

• Situations where remote-only assessment may not be appropriate

Doctors assess lesion appearance, duration, sexual history, immune status, and cervical screening history (if relevant) before recommending treatment. Not all genital bumps are warts. Painful ulcers, rapid growth, or uncertain diagnosis may require in-person examination.

This episode reflects how sexually transmitted infections and HPV-related conditions are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/early-signs-of-genital-warts

Can antidepressants cause erection problems?

Erection problems due to antidepressants are a recognised side effect, particularly with certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In this episode, we explain why this happens and how sexual side effects are assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• How antidepressants affect serotonin and sexual function

• SSRIs most commonly linked to erectile dysfunction

• Effects on libido, arousal, and delayed ejaculation

• Differences between SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants

• When dose adjustment may be considered

• Alternative medications with lower sexual side effect risk

• The role of PDE5 inhibitors in some cases

• When mental health stability takes priority

• Situations where medication changes may be declined

Doctors assess depression severity, treatment response, cardiovascular risk, testosterone levels (if indicated), other medications, and relationship factors before adjusting therapy. Stopping antidepressants abruptly is not recommended. Persistent erectile dysfunction, mood deterioration, or suicidal thoughts require prompt medical evaluation.

This episode reflects how mental health treatment and sexual side effects are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/erection-problems-due-to-antidepressants

What are the effects of herpes on the penis?

Genital herpes on the penis is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) and can lead to painful blisters, ulcers, and recurrent outbreaks. In this episode, we explain symptoms, transmission, and how genital herpes is assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• What genital herpes is (a viral infection transmitted through skin-to-skin contact)

• Early symptoms: tingling, itching, burning before lesions appear

• Typical presentation: clusters of fluid-filled blisters that break into ulcers

• Associated symptoms: pain during urination, swollen lymph nodes, fever (first episode)

• Differences between first outbreak and recurrences

• Transmission risk even without visible sores

• When antiviral treatment (aciclovir, valaciclovir) may be prescribed

• The role of suppressive therapy

• Red flag symptoms requiring urgent evaluation

Doctors assess lesion appearance, timing, sexual exposure history, immune status, and recurrence frequency before recommending testing or treatment. Swab PCR testing may confirm diagnosis. Severe pain, urinary retention, widespread lesions, or systemic symptoms require in-person assessment.

This episode reflects how sexually transmitted infections are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/the-effects-of-herpes-on-the-penis

What are the signs of chlamydia — and can you have it without symptoms?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Many people have no symptoms, which is why testing is important. In this episode, we explain early signs, complications, and how chlamydia is assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• What chlamydia is (a bacterial STI affecting the genital tract, rectum, or throat)

• Common symptoms in women: abnormal discharge, pain during urination, pelvic pain

• Common symptoms in men: penile discharge, burning urination, testicular pain

• Rectal and throat infections and their signs

• Asymptomatic infection and routine screening

• Risks of untreated infection (pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility)

• How NAAT urine or swab testing works

• When partner notification is required

• Situations where treatment requests may be declined without testing

Doctors assess sexual history, exposure timing, pregnancy status, symptoms, and previous STI history before prescribing antibiotics. Not all genital symptoms are caused by chlamydia. Severe pelvic pain, fever, or suspected epididymitis require urgent in-person evaluation.

This episode reflects how sexually transmitted infections are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/signs-of-chlamydia

What does a herpes rash look like and how is it diagnosed?

A herpes rash is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) and typically presents as painful blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. In this episode, we explain symptoms, transmission, and how herpes is assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• What herpes simplex virus (HSV) is

• Differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2

• Early symptoms: tingling, burning, itching before rash appears

• Typical appearance: small fluid-filled blisters that ulcerate

• Common locations: lips (oral herpes) and genital area

• How herpes is transmitted (skin-to-skin contact)

• When antiviral treatment (aciclovir, valaciclovir) may be prescribed

• Recurrent outbreaks and triggers

• Red flag symptoms: severe pain, eye involvement, fever

Doctors assess lesion appearance, timing of symptoms, sexual history (if relevant), immune status, and recurrence pattern before recommending testing or treatment. Swab PCR testing may confirm diagnosis. Severe symptoms, widespread rash, or suspected eye involvement require urgent in-person evaluation.

This episode reflects how viral skin infections are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/the-herpes-rash

What are morning erections and are they normal?

Morning erections, medically called nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), are spontaneous erections that occur during sleep or upon waking. In this episode, we explain why they happen and what they may indicate about hormonal and vascular health.

In this episode, we cover:

• What nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) is

• The link between REM sleep and erections

• The role of testosterone levels

• Why morning erections can occur without sexual stimulation

• What absence of morning erections may suggest

• Differences between psychological and physical erectile dysfunction

• Age-related changes in frequency

• When hormonal testing may be considered

• Red flag symptoms requiring medical review

Doctors assess erectile function history, cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes status, testosterone levels (if indicated), medication use, sleep quality, and psychological factors before advising further testing. Loss of morning erections combined with erectile dysfunction may warrant evaluation for vascular or hormonal causes.

This episode reflects how men’s sexual health and endocrine function are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/what-are-morning-erections

What are the real benefits of hyaluronic acid for your skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that helps retain moisture in the skin. In this episode, we explain how it works, what it can realistically improve, and how skin concerns are assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• What hyaluronic acid is (a humectant that binds water in the skin)

• How it supports skin hydration and barrier function

• The difference between topical serums and injectable fillers

• Expected benefits: improved skin plumpness and reduced fine lines appearance

• Limitations: it does not replace collagen or treat deep scars

• Safe layering with retinoids and vitamin C

• When dermal fillers require in-person medical treatment

• Risks: irritation, allergic reaction, vascular complications (injectables)

• Situations where cosmetic requests may be declined

Doctors assess skin type, active acne, rosacea, pregnancy status, allergy history, and overall skin health before advising treatment. Injectable hyaluronic acid procedures require trained medical professionals and cannot be performed remotely. Persistent swelling, severe pain, or skin colour changes after fillers require urgent in-person evaluation.

This episode reflects how cosmetic dermatology topics are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/hyaluronic-acid-benefits-get-the-dewy-glow-of-your-dreams

What is the link between fasting and hormone balance?

Fasting can influence insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and reproductive hormones. In this episode, we explain how different fasting patterns affect endocrine function and how hormone balance is assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• How fasting affects insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation

• Cortisol changes during caloric restriction

• Potential effects on thyroid hormones (T3, T4)

• Impact on menstrual cycles and reproductive hormones

• Testosterone changes in men during prolonged restriction

• Differences between intermittent fasting and extended fasting

• Risks for people with diabetes or eating disorders

• When blood tests may be clinically indicated

• Situations where dietary plans may not be advised

Doctors assess BMI, HbA1c, thyroid function, menstrual history, medication use, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic profile before recommending fasting. Hormonal responses vary between individuals. Persistent fatigue, dizziness, menstrual disruption, or hypoglycaemia require medical evaluation.

This episode reflects how nutrition and endocrine health are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/the-link-between-fasting-and-hormone-balance

How does healthcare in Belgium work for travellers and tourists?

If you need medical care while visiting Belgium, understanding how the Belgian healthcare system operates can help you access treatment safely. In this episode, we explain urgent care options, costs, and what EU travellers should expect.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Belgium’s public healthcare system functions

• The role of general practitioners (GPs) as first contact

• When to attend hospital emergency departments

• Emergency number 112 in Belgium

• Using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

• When private travel insurance is recommended

• Accessing pharmacies and prescription regulations

• When telemedicine may assist with minor conditions

• Situations where prescription requests may be declined

Doctors assess symptom severity, underlying conditions, medication documentation, and insurance status before advising next steps. Severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, neurological symptoms, or major trauma require immediate emergency care. Some conditions require in-person examination and cannot be managed remotely.

This episode reflects how travel-related medical concerns are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/healthcare-in-belgium-for-travellers-and-tourists

How does healthcare in Portugal work for travellers and tourists?

If you need medical care while visiting Portugal, understanding how the public and private healthcare systems operate can help you access treatment safely. In this episode, we explain urgent care pathways, costs, and what EU travellers should expect.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Portugal’s public health system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS) works

• The difference between public hospitals and private clinics

• When to attend emergency departments (urgência)

• Emergency number 112 in Portugal

• Using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

• When private travel insurance is recommended

• Accessing pharmacies (farmácias) and prescription rules

• When telemedicine may assist with minor conditions

• Situations where prescription requests may be declined

Doctors assess symptom severity, underlying conditions, medication documentation, and insurance status before advising next steps. Severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, neurological symptoms, or major trauma require immediate emergency care. Some conditions require in-person examination and cannot be managed remotely.

This episode reflects how travel-related medical concerns are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/healthcare-in-portugal-for-travellers-and-tourists