Q I suffer such anxiety about flying that I avoid foreign business. I am 25 and this is holding my career back. Will hypnotherapy help?

TF from Oxfordshire

A Hypnotherapy works for some, so find a qualified therapist at www.hypnotherapists.org.uk.

Short-term medication such as beta blockers or diazepam can also be of use in countering anxiety but your best option is to take a fear-of-flying course organised by Aviatours. Courses are held in conjunction with British Airways at nine airports around the UK for £233, and a 98% success rate is reported. Ring 01252 793 250 for details or see www.aviatours.co.uk.

Q What are the effects of removing a prostate, and does it cause impotence? How can I find out which prostate specialists have the best track record?

EK from Donegal

A The usual operation is a TURP (transurethral resection of prostate). Lasting postoperative complications include retrograde ejaculation (where semen is expelled into the bladder) affecting up to 75% of men, and urinary incontinence (about 1-3% of men).

Erectile dysfunction has been reported in 2-4% – a similar percentage to men who report impotence after other general surgery. The original symptoms improve by 70-90% after a TURP. Performance indicators for UK prostate surgery can be found at tinyurl.com/ywyw2n. In the Republic of Ireland call the Cancer Society on 01800 200 700.

Q I will soon be snowboarding at high altitude. Do I risk developing altitude sickness or is that only when climbing?

A G from Highbury

A If you are going above 8,000ft you are at risk of acute mountain sickness. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, vomiting, palpitations and shortness of breath. In rare cases it can progress to the potentially fatal high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral oedema, where fluid collects in the lungs and brain.

Slow acclimatisation to altitude is critical, as is keeping warm, keeping well hydrated and avoiding sleeping anywhere more than about 1,000ft higher than the previous night. For more details visit www.traveldoctor.co.uk .

All questions are answered by a practising doctor. To consult Dr Know, e-mail drknow@sunday-times.co.uk . E-mails cannot be answered individually

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