The following questions have came into Mark's mailbox at some point in time.
Research was conducted with reliable sources and the content have been included
for your reading. This should not be taken as a substitute for a trip to
your doctor should your medical condition call for it.
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DO WOMEN HAVE WET DREAMS, TOO?
TWENTYSOMETHING MAN CONSIDERS CIRCUMCISION: IS IT SAFE?
WOMEN AND THEIR EGGS: HOW MANY AND FOR HOW LONG?
HOW LONG DO SPERM LIVE IF THEY DO NOT FERTILISE AN EGG?
FERTILE TIMES?
PREGNANT FROM SEMEN IN MOUTH?
PREGNANCY TEST -- HOW SOON AFTER SEX?
MORNING SICKNESS
YASMIN: A NEW BIRTH CONTROL PILL
CAN ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES CAUSE AN ABORTION?
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS FOR MEN?
BETWEEN PILL PACKS... IS SEX SAFE?
SIDE EFFECTS OF PILL
WHAT IS A FEMALE CONDOM?
PETROLEUM JELLY -- GOOD OR BAD AS LUBE FOR CONDOMS?
CONDOMS -- POROUS?
GETTING OFF DEPO-PROVERA — HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO GET PREGNANT?
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BACTERIAL AND VIRAL STDS?
FALSE-POSITIVE HIV TESTS
HIV TRANSMISSION THROUGH URINE?
AIDS FROM RAW MEAT?
AIDS FROM MOSQUITO BITE?
AIDS--BARBER?
CHLAMYDIA?
HEPATITIS B
HEP C AND SEXUAL TRANSMISSION
URINARY TRACT INFECTION
IS IT POSSIBLE TO "BREAK" YOUR PENIS?
I'm a sixteen-year-old girl. Do females have wet dreams like boys??
asking
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear asking,
You betcha. In 1953, Alfred Kinsey, Ph.D., the famous sexuality researcher,
found that nearly 40 percent of the 5,628 women he interviewed experienced
at least one nocturnal orgasm (orgasms during sleep), or "wet dream,"
by the time they were forty-five years old. A smaller study published in
the Journal of Sex Research in 1986 found that 85 percent of the women who
had experienced nocturnal orgasms had done so by the age of twenty-one...
some even before they turned thirteen. In addition, women who have orgasms
during sleep usually have them several times a year. Dr. Kinsey and his
colleagues defined female nocturnal orgasm as sexual arousal during sleep
that awakens one to perceive the experience of orgasm. Girls and women who
don't have orgasms in their sleep, or who don't know whether or not they've
had them, are perfectly normal. It may be easier for men to identify their
wet dreams because of the "ejaculatory evidence." Vaginal secretions
could be a sign of sexual arousal without orgasm.
Similar studies find that a much higher percentage of boys and men experience
wet dreams. This, combined with a greater focus on male sexuality by science
and the public in general, are probably two big reasons why we don't hear
very much about women's nighttime orgasms.
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I am a male in his twenties, and I am considering circumcision. Is it
safe to be circumcised at my age? And how many days do I need to recover?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
Circumcision is a safe procedure. For adult men, it is usually performed
on an outpatient basis with local or regional anesthesia. The health care
professional (often a urologist) will inject anesthetic around the base
of the penis to numb the entire genital region. Once the area is numbed,
the foreskin covering the glans is removed, usually by electrocautery.
Stitches close the area from which the skin has been removed, and the
penis is wrapped in gauze bandages that are typically left in place for
the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Barring any complications,
a man can go back to his normal routine within a day or two after circumcision,
but needs to refrain from all sexual activity, including masturbation,
for four to six weeks, since erection can dislodge the stitches and interfere
with healing.
Potential complications of adult circumcision include infection, bleeding
or bruising, the removal of too much or too little skin, or dissatisfaction
with penile appearance. In addition, some men who've been circumcised
as adults report altered sexual feeling, including decreased penile sensitivity
and changes in sexual response and arousal patterns. You might want to
think about how changes in the appearance and/or sensitivity of your penis
could affect you before choosing to be circumcised.
Men are often circumcised for religious, social, or cosmetic reasons.
Some believe that circumcised penises are easier to clean or are more
appealing to potential sexual partners, and can decrease cervical cancer
risk in women who have sex with "cut" men. Adult men also might
become circumcised for medical reasons; for example:
Phimosis This is when the foreskin cannot be properly retracted (pulled
back) over the glans (head of the penis). This naturally occurs in infants
and young boys who are not circumcised, usually resolving on its own with
age. If this condition remains in adulthood, some men may develop a tight
ring of scar tissue around their foreskin that makes retraction difficult,
and can make erections and sex painful.
Paraphimosis With this condition, the foreskin that has been retracted
over the glans becomes "stuck" and cannot be returned to its
natural position. Paraphimosis can occur when foreskin is forcibly retracted
(during sex, bathing, or medical procedures) and then not returned to
its normal position. Penile piercings can cause this condition if the
placement of the piercing causes irritation to the glans or forces the
foreskin to stay retracted. Paraphimosis can cause swelling and an interruption
of the blood supply to the glans, and is a medical emergency that can
require immediate circumcision to save the tissue of the penis.
Balanitis An inflammation of the glans, balanitis is often caused by phimosis
or lack of proper hygiene that allows smegma or other discharge from the
penis to accumulate underneath the foreskin. This can cause recurrent
penile or urinary infections that might be treated with circumcision.
As with any medical procedure, it's important to talk candidly with your
health care provider about the potential benefits and possible complications
to the procedure before you make your decision.
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How many eggs does a woman have when she is born? Does a woman still
have eggs when she starts menopause?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
Unlike men, who produce new sperm daily throughout most of their lifetime,
women are born with a finite number of undeveloped eggs -- around one
to two million -- in their ovaries.
When women reach puberty and start menstruating, only about 300,000 immature
egg cells, or follicles, remain. Some of these begin to develop with each
monthly cycle, but during this time, only one follicle matures into an
ovum (egg) and bursts from an ovary into the fallopian tubes, initiating
ovulation. Through a process known as atresia, many of the follicles that
don't develop into mature egg cells degenerate. As a result, only a few
hundred remain at menopause, which usually begins at around forty-five
or fifty years of age; however, because of the hormonal changes that accompany
menopause, the remaining follicles are unlikely to mature and become viable
eggs.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
Sperm live inside a vagina for about three to five days. The important
thing about your question is that if you have sex without using contraception
up to five days before an egg bursts from the ovary (ovulation), the egg
could be fertilized. For example, you could have sex on Monday and fertilize
an egg that is not released until Friday. The egg, on the other hand,
has a much shorter lifespan -- about twenty-four hours. So, having sex
right before ovulation -- and up to one day afterward -- would be prime
for fertilization. Whether or not you want that to happen is another story....
Back to Top
When can a woman, during her menstrual cycle, be at high risk
for pregnancy? I've heard two answers: fourteen days before or after your
period. Which is it?
--Conceiving only ideas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Conceiving only ideas,
The simple answer to your question is that the egg bursts from the ovary
(ovulation) approximately two weeks before the beginning of your next
menstrual period. A common misunderstanding is that the egg bursts from
the ovary at midcycle, halfway between menstrual periods. This is only
true when the cycle is twenty-eight days long (something that cannot be
known for certain until that particular cycle is over and menstruation
begins).
A woman can become pregnant from unprotected intercourse up to five days
before ovulation. Sperm can survive in a woman's body for three to five
days, waiting to fertilize that egg during ovulation. Therefore, guessing
how long your period usually is and counting backward fourteen days is
not an effective method of birth control.
The fertility awareness method of birth control (a studied, standardized
monthly procedure), however, can be quite effective if used diligently
and properly. Being aware of your fertile times involves counting days,
observing cervical mucus, taking your body temperature with a basal thermometer
(see below for details) daily, and charting your own observations. This
method also requires a highly motivated person.
Fertility awareness can be quite effective when taught carefully, understood
thoroughly, and used correctly. The major disadvantages are the risk of
pregnancy if you are not committed to using it correctly; it does not
protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV infection;
it takes at least two or three cycles to learn and use confidently; it
can be sexually frustrating if you choose to abstain from intercourse
rather than use a barrier method when you are fertile; and, most importantly,
it may be impractical if you are not in a committed, cooperative relationship
with your sexual partner.
P.S.: Basal body temperature is the temperature of the body when you first
wake up. This needs to be measured using a basal thermometer [a basal
thermometer is a special thermometer used to track ovulation that measures
temperature in tenths of a degree, like the standard oral thermometer,
but its numbers are magnified to make it easier for you to read your basal
body temperature more clearly] immediately after waking in the morning
to be most accurate. Women need to have a basal thermometer ready by the
bed because any movement (even getting up from bed to get the thermometer)
can cause the temperature to fluctuate.
Basal body temperature needs to be measured and recorded every day for
several months; after a rise and a plateau, there will be a sharp drop
in temperature followed by menstruation, which would indicate that the
woman is ovulating.
Back to Top
I heard this from my sex ed teacher in high school, and I was wondering
if he was correct. Can a girl get pregnant from having semen in her mouth?
He said that if there are cuts inside her mouth, the sperm can get into
the bloodstream and possibly get the girl pregnant.
Thanks, Wondering about my high school education
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Wondering about my high school education,
No, a woman cannot get pregnant from having semen in her mouth (cuts or
no cuts), nor from swallowing it, smelling it, feeling it, looking at
it, or thinking about it. If your teacher did make this claim, he gets
an "F" for needlessly Freaking people out. With the exception
of egg implantation, pregnancy can occur only when sperm make their way
to eggs via the vagina. This is also the case when women are artificially
inseminated. Are you sure that your teacher wasn't talking about sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) that might enter the body in this way? Teachers
know a lot, but sometimes they are wrong. Glad you went searching for
the truth that you can now present to your sex ed teacher by first clarifying
what he said, and then respectfully making the correction, if it's necessary.
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How soon after intercourse can one use a pregnancy test and get results?
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Pregnancy tests are sensitive enough that they can detect a pregnancy
as early as one week after fertilization. It is not necessary to wait
until a period is late or has been missed before testing for pregnancy.
When used correctly, home pregnancy tests work well. They also provide
privacy and convenience. Home pregnancy tests sometimes give erroneous
results (usually false negatives); the most common reason for this is
using the test too soon. If you think you may be pregnant, I suggest waiting
seven to ten days after intercourse to test, following the test's directions
carefully. If a home pregnancy test gives a positive result, make an appointment
with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or local women's clinic for a confirmation.
If you prefer, you can make an appointment for a pregnancy test directly
instead of testing at home first. In either case, it can only be to your
benefit to find out as early as possible if you're pregnant.
Back to Top
During my first pregnancy I had morning sickness ALL DAY for 8 months!
Do you have any suggestions on how to avoid the nausea? I have heard (and
tried) a lot of "old wives tales" but nothing seems to work...Please
help me, as I would like to have another baby but I don't think I can
go through that again!!
— Sick of being sick
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Dear Sick of being sick,
I am sorry to hear that you had such a difficult time with morning sickness
that you are concerned about getting pregnant a second time. As you are
probably aware, your obstetrician or midwife will not want to give you
any drugs that could have teratogenic effects...ones that could impair
the normal growth and development of the fetus. This is especially important
during the first part of your pregnancy which usually coincides with the
time most women experience morning sickness. Taking 50-100 mg per day
of Vitamin B6 has been found to be nontoxic and helpful for some women,
but definitely discuss this with your provider. Also, talk to other women
to learn what worked for them or discuss your problem with the hospital's
childbirth educator.
Often, each woman will find out what works for her, although sometimes
nothing works. For example, eating crackers before you rise in the morning
or eating something like a piece of cheese when you feel nausea or light-headed
might help. You might try to remember your nausea. What made it worse
or better? When was it worse or better? Was it only nausea or vomiting
as well?
In some cases, a mother-to-be will experience very serious vomiting during
a pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum. This can lead to hospitalization
to rehydrate the body and to make sure that no electrolyte imbalances
occur.
I am hopeful that your condition was not this serious and that your next
pregnancy will be smoother. Remember, each pregnancy is different, so
what happened in your first may not happen in your next.
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I would like to know about the new Yasmin birth control pill, what are
the benefits, and the side effects?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
Yasmin, the most recent low-dose birth control pill to enter the market,
was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2001.
It is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly,
and works in the same way as other combination birth control pills. Each
pill pack consists of 21 pills that contain the same amount of estrogen
and progestin, to be taken one per day for three weeks, followed by seven
placebo pills that are taken throughout the week, in order for a woman
to get her period.
Yasmin is the only birth control pill to contain the synthetic progestin
known as drospirenone — an alternative for women who experience
adverse effects from other oral contraceptives. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid
activity that influences the regulation of water retention and electrolyte
balance in the body, as well as antiandrogenic (anti-male hormone) properties.
It may even be effective in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),
a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
As a result of this particular progestin, common benefits of Yasmin include:
less water retention less premenstrual weight gain fewer PMS and menstrual
symptoms prevention of acne Similar to other birth control pills, possible
side effects of Yasmin include:
headaches menstrual changes breast tenderness abdominal cramps and bloating
nausea vaginal discharge Yasmin is not recommended for women who:
have kidney, liver, or adrenal disease, since drospirenone may increase
potassium levels in the bloodstream. take certain medications, especially
those that increase potassium levels in the body. have a history of blood
clots or stroke. have a history of blood clots in the legs, lungs, or
eyes. experience chest pain. have a history of or suspected cancer of
the breast, lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina. have unexplained
vaginal bleeding. have a history of jaundice. have a liver tumor. In addition,
women who smoke and/or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
need to take precautions if they take Yasmin.
Back to Top
Can a woman abort the fetus if she continues to take the pill?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
No. Continuing to take the birth control pill before or after a pregnancy
is confirmed will not abort the fetus. It's also unlikely that taking
the pill will have an effect on fetal development. Oral contraceptives
don't cause miscarriages because they don't work in that way. Birth control
pills — generally made of estrogen and progestin, a synthetic progesterone
— essentially prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation or causing
the cervical mucus to thicken. However, if a woman using progestin-only
oral contraceptives continues with her pill pack while pregnant, she increases
the chance of having an ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg begins
to develop outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes). Ectopic
pregnancies are dangerous and can be life threatening, so they need to
be resolved quickly and appropriately. Some women can have sharp stabbing
pains, cramps, or a dull headache that can become severe, while others
may experience significant blood loss and go into shock if a fallopian
tube bursts. These symptoms need to be reported to a midwife or obstetrician
immediately.
On the other hand, specific medications, but not birth control pills,
can end a pregnancy (a.k.a., a medical abortion). In the United States,
Mifepristone, once known as RU-486, blocks the hormones that are needed
to maintain a pregnancy. Methotrexate is another drug that stops a pregnancy
from further development. A pregnant woman in need of a pregnancy termination
can discuss this, as well as other options, with her health care provider
or OB/GYN.
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I was wondering what information you have on the male birth control pill
and when it could possibly be released on the market.
Thank you,Sam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sam,
Finally, a male birth control pill, right? Well… almost. As clinical
trials (research studies) continue in Europe and the United States, developers
believe we will see this "wonder drug" on pharmacy shelves in
about five to seven years.
So, what's taking so long? For one thing, scientists have found it challenging
to control the male reproductive system. Women have a reproductive system
regulated by a menstrual cycle, and are fertile for about 48-hours a month.
(However, at exactly what point that 48-hour period of fertility will
be during the month is unknown.) Scientists were able to develop the birth
control pill, also known as oral contraceptives (OCs), based on the regularity
of menstruation. Unlike women, men produce new sperm 24/7, through a process
called spermatogenesis, at a rate of one-half billion sperm each day.
Because of this male body phenomenon, developing an effective and reversible
hormonal contraceptive for men, such as a male birth control pill, continues
to challenge researchers.
In these studies, at least five different approaches to temporarily decrease
or cease sperm production and function have been considered. They include:
In the man:
preventing sperm production interfering with sperm function interrupting
sperm transport
In the woman partner:
preventing effective sperm deposit blocking sperm-egg interaction
Of these strategies, decreasing or preventing sperm production by using
testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, either alone or in combination
with another type of sex hormone called progestin, have shown the most
promising results.
A pill containing synthetic testosterone and progestin taken by men in
a clinical trial conducted in Italy showed evidence of lowering males'
sperm counts to very low levels (below 3 million sperm per milliliter
of ejaculate). Half of the participants had sperm counts of zero after
taking this pill. It was also demonstrated to cause few undesirable side
effects. In another type of research study, testosterone injections were
administered in conjunction with combined progestin and testosterone pills.
This was shown to be more effective than use of testosterone injections
alone.
Either way, this extra surge of testosterone is designed to interfere
with a complex sequence of hormonal reactions that begin in the brain
and end in the testes, resulting in sperm production. To get more technical,
this extra dose of testosterone withholds the amount of gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus in the brain. GnRH stimulates
the release of hormones called gonadotropins from the pituitary gland,
which is also in the brain. Gonadotropins are hormones essential in signaling
the testes to produce sperm. So, the suppression of GnRH ultimately results
in preventing sperm production in the male and, as a result, helps to
prevent pregnancy in the woman partner.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that maximum contraceptive effectiveness
was not possible right away for any of the above mentioned combinations
because it can take as much as 2 to 3 months for sperm counts to reach
very low levels. This translates into a need for men or couples to plan
in advance. In addition, the studies that involved a weekly injection
schedule were shown to be particularly impractical. Because of this, other
ways to improve the use and effectiveness of new male contraceptives are
being investigated, including longer-acting male contraception that can
deliver testosterone for 2 to 3 months. Also in development are testosterone-derivative
implants and a vaccine that would be designed to prevent pregnancy for
up to a year.
Even though a male birth control pill may seem like a great innovation,
not all men agree. Some are nervous about the possible side effects that
have resulted from a few of these clinical trials, which have included:
mood swings aggressiveness lack of libido acne weight gain lowered high
density lipoprotein (HDL, the good cholesterol) levels impotence long-term
infertility An effective male "pill" would undoubtedly put more
of the responsibility for contraception on men, a possibility that goes
against what men and women in many cultures have been used to. Male discomfort
with this notion, along with the time and high cost of conducting clinical
trials, are likely key reasons why funding for research about this topic
has been low, postponing development of, and access to, a male birth control
pill.
The contraceptive methods currently available for men are the condom and
vasectomy. In the future, the male birth control pill may become easier
for men and the rest of society to swallow.
Back to Top
My boyfriend and I are having sex 2 days after my menstrual cycle. I am
on birth control. I finish my cycle on a Saturday and start the new cycle
on Sunday. We usually have sex on the Saturday night before I start the
new cycle. Is it safe to have sex even though you have finished your menstrual
cycle but have not started taking the pill for the next cycle?Sincerely,
Garfield
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Garfield,
First of all, congratulations for being responsible about your lovemaking
and protecting yourselves against an unwanted pregnancy, especially while
you are in college and trying to reach other goals! I support that every
child should be a wanted child... at the right time and under the best
circumstances for you!
As for your question, you are protected during the time of your concern
as long as you have been taking your birth control pills correctly. The
synthetic estrogen and progesterone of your pills have altered the normal
rise and fall of these natural hormones in your bloodstream, thereby preventing
the maturation of an egg follicle in an ovary; altering the lining of
the uterus, which makes it more inhospitable in the unlikely event an
egg is released and fertilized; and creating a thicker cervical mucus
which makes it more difficult for those feisty sperm to enter the uterus
at all and make their way to fertilize an egg. However, all contraceptive
methods have a failure rate and for the pill, the rate is about 3%, meaning
3 women out of 100 will get pregnant even though they are on the pill.
So what I suggest, is that you and your partner think about what you might
do in the event the pill fails you. This is very unlikely, but should
be considered. For instance, you may want to add condoms or contraceptive
foam to your contraceptive arsenal.
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My roommate is on the pill now, and she seems to be having some unpleasant
symptoms: bleeding, decreased appetite, etc. I've heard some awful stories
about what this form of contraception can do to young women. Should I
advise her to see a doctor?
Thanks, Worried
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Dear Worried,
The way the pill works is that it enters your bloodstream, travels through
your body and affects your tissues and organs, just as natural estrogens
and progesterone do. The hormones in the pill, however, are synthetic
and can have exaggerated side effects on some women. Some of the more
common effects are the two you noted, breakthrough bleeding and decreased
appetite. As far as the breakthrough bleeding, it usually happens during
the first or second pill cycle and often clears up after that, as your
uterus gets used to the new levels of hormones in your body. If breakthrough
bleeding doesn't stop after a few months, see a practitioner to find out
whether you need to try a different brand or whether you may have another
problem. Breakthrough bleeding does not mean that the pill isn't working
as a contraceptive.
Nausea is a common early negative effect of the pill, as the estrogen
in the pill may irritate the stomach lining. Nausea usually goes away
after three months; antacid tablets or taking the pill with dinner usually
gives relief. Again, if this symptom persists, seeing a practitioner and
switching to a pill with twenty micrograms of estrogen might offer relief
from the nausea and decreased appetite.
Other common side effects of the pill are headaches, depression, change
in intensity of sexual desire and response, vaginitis and vaginal discharge,
urinary tract infection, changes in menstrual flow, breast changes, skin
problems, gum inflammation, it can aggravate asthma, and increase your
incidence of contracting viral illnesses. All of these are common side
effects, which means not to be alarmed, but to discuss them with your
practitioner to see what changes can be made to reduce the discomfort.
Any problem lasting more than two or three cycles should be reported to
a health practitioner. The following are symptoms of serious problems:
severe pain or swelling in the legs (thigh or calf), bad headache, dizziness,
weakness, numbness, blurred vision (or loss of sight), speech problems,
chest pain or shortness of breath, abdominal pain. Report these immediately;
they mean you should stop taking the pill.
Back to Top
what is a female condom?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
A female condom is a method of contraception worn by women that's inserted
inside the vagina before intercourse. Made of soft polyurethane (a type
of plastic), it's shaped like a long tube or sheath — with one closed
end and one open end — creating a barrier between the penis and
the vaginal canal. Similar to the male condom, when used consistently
and correctly, the female condom prevents pregnancy and protects against
HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For some women,
the female condom is an ideal form of contraception because it is woman-controlled
— women can take the initiative to protect themselves, particularly
those whose partners are unwilling or unable to use male condoms. It can
also be a good alternative for those who have a latex sensitivity or allergy.
The female condom can be a bit intimidating to someone who has never seen
or used one before. Once familiar with it, it can be easy to use. If you
look at the female condom, you'll notice that at each end, there's a flexible
polyurethane ring. These rings help to keep the female condom in place
once it's inserted. The fixed outer ring has an opening, where the penis
glides in and out of the vagina during intercourse. The moveable inner
ring secures the tube in place and is closed off by polyurethane so that
it can collect the ejaculated sperm.
To insert the female condom:
hold the sheath at the closed end and pinch the inner ring so that it
becomes long and narrow. gently insert the inner ring end as far into
the vagina as possible, using your index finger to push up the inner ring
until your finger reaches your cervix (similar to how a diaphragm would
be inserted). It won't go in too deep or get lost inside your vagina.
When in place, it'll cover the opening of the cervix and line the vaginal
walls. A general indicator is that you'll no longer be able to feel the
ring. The outer ring must always remain outside the vaginal opening. before
having intercourse, be sure that it hangs straight and isn't twisted.
Then, add water-based lube on the penis and/or to the inside of the female
condom to increase comfort and decrease noise. after intercourse, twist
the outer ring, gently remove the female condom, and discard (don't flush
it down the toilet). If you choose this method of contraception, carefully
read the instructions enclosed in the box before use.
Some women like to practice inserting the female condom a few times before
having intercourse so they can become comfortable using it. Keep in mind
that each female condom can only be used once. Also, never use the female
condom together with a male condom. Friction between the two could cause
the male condom to pull off or the female condom to be pushed inside the
vagina.
Before using this method of contraception, consider the following advantages
and disadvantages:
Advantages:
A woman can take the initiative and offer her partner the choice between
his or her condoms. It provides protection against HIV and other STIs
since the polyurethane acts as a barrier. It can be inserted immediately
or up to eight hours before having intercourse. A man doesn't have to
be fully erect when his partner uses the female condom. Those who are
sensitive or allergic to latex are often able to use products made of
polyurethane. It can be purchased over-the-counter. Disadvantages:
It's more expensive than male condoms. It may be awkward to use because
the outer ring must stay outside of the vagina during intercourse. Since
the female condom is inserted into the vagina, it's necessary to be comfortable
touching the genital area. It may cause irritation. Without enough lube,
it can make strange sounds.
Back to Top
I want to ask if I can use Vaseline to substitute K-Y or Aqualube when
making love with condoms?
Wondering?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Wondering?,
No, No, No!
Vaseline is petroleum jelly, which is not water-soluble. When you put
it on your hands and try to wash it away with water, it doesn't budge.
It just sort of moves around, but it doesn't dissolve. That's why it increases
the chances of getting a vaginal or anal infection when used during vaginal
and anal sex, since bacteria don't easily wash away. Also, when petroleum
jelly is used with condoms, it eats away at the rubber (latex), decreasing
the effectiveness of condoms. (Instead, use petroleum jelly to moisturize
very dry skin.)
Water-soluble lubes (and never oil-based ones), plus a bit of saliva,
are the things to use. With their silicone-like fluidity, they create
more pleasure, too!
Back to Top
I have a friend who is very religious and has been telling his children
that since the AIDS virus is so much smaller than the pores in a condom,
it affords no protection, thereby making abstinence the only option that
makes sense. Is there any truth to this story whatsoever, or is he just
using this as an excuse to scare his kids? (Not that I would go around
his wishes with his family -- just curious.)
--Atheist
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Atheist,
Latex condoms, which are the least expensive, most accessible type of
condoms at the moment, are designed so as not to allow transmission of
the HIV virus, or any virus for that matter. The HIV virus is larger than
the pores in condoms.
Lambskin condoms, on the other hand, are made from sheep intestines, and
are now advertised as a contraceptive, but not as effective against STD
transmission.
Because both user error and manufacturer error exist, condom use constitutes
"safer" sex, as opposed to 100 percent safe sex. The only 100
percent safe sex is no oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or abstinence. Tips
for using condoms to insure greatest effectiveness in protecting against
both pregnancy and HIV (and other sexually transmitted diseases) include
storing condoms in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight, and using
them before their expiration date. If using a lube with your condom, make
sure that it is water-based, as oil-based lube causes the latex in condoms
to deteriorate.
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I have been on the Depo shot now for a year and I am supposed to have
another shot September 6th, but my husband and I want to have another
baby. How long should it take for me to get pregnant?
Kerri
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Kerri,
Since the Depo-provera shot is given at three-month intervals, planning
ahead is important. If you and your husband want to try to conceive in
the near future, you may choose not to have another injection.
Although it is possible for fertility to resume once the last injection
has worn off, women experience an average of ten months after the injection
for ovulation to return. After stopping Depo-provera, more than 90 percent
of women become pregnant within two years.
Women's bodies respond differently to hormonal contraceptives. No one
knows your body better than you do. Following are some basic questions
to ask yourself:
How regular was your menstrual cycle before you used hormonal contraceptives?
How easy has it been to conceive in the past? Are there any medical and
family risk factors to consider?
Your answers to these questions may help you to determine how your body
will respond once ovulation returns.
In case you want to use Depo at some point in the future, — after
the birth of a child, for instance:
If a mother does not plan on breastfeeding, she can receive an injection
within five days of giving birth.
If a mom decides to breastfeed, she can receive a shot six weeks after
the birth of the child. The reason that it is advised to wait six weeks
is that there are theoretical concerns that the injection may be a risk
to infants in the first month. Another reason is that women should abstain
from sex for at least six weeks after childbirth. Therefore, there is
no need to prevent against pregnancy during these six weeks. In addition,
the baby's suckling of the nipples during breastfeeding can delay the
return of ovulation. This delay varies depending on a number of characteristics,
including how often and how long a baby is breastfed at each feed. Since
this delay varies among women, it is best to use a method of contraception
to prevent pregnancy.
However, if a mother is breast- and bottle-feeding her newborn, it is
recommended by medical providers that she receive the Depo injection within
the first five days of her next menses. In the meantime, another contraception
method needs to be used to prevent pregnancy.
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What's the difference between a bacterial and viral STD?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
The main difference between these two categories of sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) is what causes them -- bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria
and viral STDs are caused by viruses. As a result of being caused by different
microorganisms, bacterial and viral STDs vary in their treatment. Bacterial
STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are often cured with
antibiotics. However, viral STDs, such as HIV, HPV (genital warts), herpes,
and hepatitis (the only STD that can be prevented with a vaccine) -- the
four Hs, have no cure, but their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment.
In addition to bacteria and viruses, STDs can also be caused by protozoa
(trichomoniasis) and other organisms (crabs/pubic lice and scabies). These
STDs can be cured with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions.
One of the most common symptoms of an STD is no symptom, so it's important
to go for check-ups (for example, up to 80 percent of women and 40 percent
of men diagnosed with chlamydia may not experience symptoms). STDs need
to be diagnosed correctly and fully treated as soon as possible to avoid
complications that could be serious and/or permanent.
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I recently had a routine HIV screening done for prenatal labs. It was
positive. Thank GOD, western blot came out to be negative. My OB is reassuring
me not to worry, that false-positives sometimes come out in pregnancy,
and as long as the western blot is negative — I'm negative. Could
you explain a little more in detail as to why and do you agree with my
Dr.? I'm at very little risk otherwise and had a negative HIV test about
five years ago and am with the same person (my husband).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Reader,
The Western Blot test is a confirmatory test that is definitive, provided
you were not infected during the three-month window period before your
exam. When your blood is tested for HIV, the lab first performs what is
known as an EIA or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A negative
EIA means that no antibodies were found in the blood and that the person
is HIV-negative. A positive result is confirmed with a second EIA. If
the second EIA is positive, a Western Blot must be done to ensure that
the antibodies detected in the EIA test are really HIV antibodies. The
Western Blot test can come back positive, negative, or inconclusive. It's
uncertain why you were given your EIA result when your Western Blot was
negative. The negative result is definitive, and you needn't worry.
About 0.2 percent of EIA tests give positive results that are proven false
by the Western Blot test. This percentage does not vary between the general
population and pregnant women. As noted in an article published in the
August 14-28, 2000 Archives of Internal Medicine, an EIA can be falsely
positive for several reasons, including a patient's autoimmune disease,
multiple pregnancies, blood transfusions, liver diseases, parenteral substance
abuse, hemodialysis, or vaccinations for Hepatitis B, rabies, or influenza.
There is a very, very small chance that a Western Blot result is incorrect.
False negatives usually happen when people test during the window period.
In low-risk groups, a false negative Western Blot result occurs 0.001
percent of the time. False positives occur even less frequently —
0.00001 percent. False positives most often result from volunteers in
HIV vaccine studies, clerical error, contaminated specimens, or misinterpretation
of the results.
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Can the HIV be passed through urine?
Thanks,Curious
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Curious,
No. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS (SIDA in Spanish), is transmitted
via blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. There have been no
documented cases of HIV contraction from urine, sweat, and saliva.
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Is it possible to contract AIDS by handling raw bloody meat? --The butcher
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Butcher, HIV is a human virus so it can only be transmitted through
human blood. Raw bloody animal meat does not carry the virus, therefore
handling this meat will not be a risk. There also have been no documented
cases of HIV being transmitted through food preparation or food serving.
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Can you get AIDS from a mosquito bite? I heard you can't, but I'm really
paranoid about this. Actually, it wasn't a bite -- I squashed the bug
and all the blood in it splattered everywhere and then here I am with
someone's blood on a cut in my finger. HELP! I'm really freaking out.
I don't know if I should get tested or not again, because I did get tested
before (negative), but the anguish of waiting for results was horrible.
Maybe I'm just ultra paranoid?
--Bitten (or smitten?)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Bitten (or smitten?),
What you've heard is correct -- you can't get AIDS from a mosquito. According
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitoes
do not inject blood when they bite, which means that mosquitoes do not
transmit the virus. Even if the mosquito you squashed had just bitten
an HIV infected person, the virus would not stay alive within the mosquito's
body for more than a few minutes when outside the human body. HIV is actually
a very fragile virus and it is impossible for the virus to be transmitted
through inanimate objects, casual contact, or an insect vector. It does
not mutate the cells within insects or animals as it does in humans. This
is one reason why testing for a vaccine/treatment for HIV has been more
difficult than with other diseases where clinical trials have been performed
on animals first before humans. In any case, stop worrying about this
one.
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I must sound paranoid, but all this fuzz about AIDs keeps me a little
worried every time I go to get a haircut. Is it possible to get AIDS by
the use of a contaminated razor?
--An AIDS paranoid
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear An AIDS paranoid,
Any instruments used which may involve blood contact (i.e., ear piercing,
manicures, barber,etc.) should be sterilized, both to be hygienic as well
as to address public health issues. You can, and should, ask your barber
about his/her practices. The virus is quite fragile, and is killed by
heat, ordinary soap and water, household bleach solutions, alcohol, Lysol,
or peroxide. In the unlikely event that the instruments are not sterilized,
exposure to the air kills the virus, usually in a matter of seconds. Materials
that could theoretically carry the virus in small amounts have not been
implicated as the cause of any case of AIDS.
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Could you tell me about the symptoms of chlamydia and if one test is enough
to detect that disease? Thank you.
Curious
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Curious,
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia
trachomatis. As with some other STDs, the most common symptom of chlamydia
is no symptom at all. Comparatively, more women than men are asymptomatic
-- up to 80 percent of women and 40 percent of men diagnosed with chlamydia
may not experience symptoms.
Semen or cervical secretions transmit chlamydia. It usually takes one
to three weeks for symptoms to show up, if at all. If you've given unprotected
oral sex to someone with chlamydia, it's possible, but unlikely, to get
a sore throat. This is even less likely if you've gone down on a woman
-- the penis is much more effective in transmitting chlamydia to a partner's
throat.
In men, the chlamydiae make their way into the urethra, where they can
cause discharge and burning when urinating, especially during that first
trip to the bathroom in the morning. Some women will experience itching,
vaginal discharge, and burning during urination. More often than not,
the infection will manifest as mucopurulent cervicitis, a discharge around
the cervix. This symptom often goes unnoticed because it is difficult
to detect without examination by a health care provider.
Unchecked and untreated chlamydia can lead to a number of problems, including
sterility for men and women alike. If given free reign to divide and multiply,
chlamydiae can infect the epididymis (where sperm mature) in men who do
not experience any symptoms at first. These men may eventually experience
sensations of heaviness and discomfort in their testicles, and inflammation
of their scrotal skin. In women, chlamydiae can cause pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID) and scarred fallopian tubes. Women who develop PID are also
at higher risk for chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized
egg implants outside of the uterus). PID and ectopic pregnancies can be
life-threatening. (For more information on PID, see the postscript below.)
It is extremely important to be tested for chlamydia, as well as for other
STDs, even if you don't have any symptoms if you're sexually active with
partners. And yes, one test is enough to determine the presence of Chlamydia
trachomatis. Basically, the test involves collecting material from your
urethral or cervical area with a swab, and sending the sample to a lab
for analysis. The results of this test will determine how you and your
health care provider will proceed with education and treatment for you
and your partner.
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Just wondering what you could tell me about Hepatitis B. My mother was
just recently diagnosed with it, so I'd like some more information about
what it is, what it does, who gets it, and the like.
-Curious
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Curious,
Hepatitis B is a liver disease characterized by inflammation of the liver
and liver cell damage. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), present
in the blood and all body fluids of an infected individual. Most hepatitis
cases are acute, lasting less than one year. Each year, six to ten percent
of Hepatitis B infections in the United States become chronic, meaning
the person continues to be highly contagious, and risks developing cirrhosis
of the liver and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through any contact of contaminated blood
or body fluids with breaks in the skin or mucous membrane of an uninfected
person. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and
needle sharing -- much like HIV transmission -- or through blood transfusion.
In some areas of the world, Hepatitis B is endemic and may be transmitted
to offspring who become chronic asymptomatic carriers. If you were born
in a high-risk area, you need to be evaluated to determine if you are
a Hep B carrier.
At first, a person infected with Hepatitis B will not show any signs of
disease -- no symptom is one of the most common symptoms. Some people
experience mild flulike symptoms (i.e., fever, aches, loss of appetite,
fatigue). As the disease progresses, many people develop temporary jaundice
(a yellowing of the skin) and dark urine.
Safer sex and avoiding unsterile needles (for drugs and tattoos) help
prevent Hepatitis B transmission. As a matter of fact, Hepatitis B is
the most preventable sexually transmitted disease (STD), primarily because
there is a vaccine for it, which is administered in three injections over
a six-month period. Because Hepatitis B is highly contagious, all those
who have had close personal contact with someone infected with the virus
need to be screened and vaccinated. If you are a college student, I strongly
urges you to get the Hepatitis B vaccination because college is a common
place for coming into contact with STDs, and you need all the protection
you can get.
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Several years ago I contracted Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion.
I am a female and was wondering the likelihood of transmitting it to my
boyfriend during intercourse. What precautions can we take? Can it be
transmitted during oral sex?
-C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear C,
The hepatitis C virus is spread mainly through contact with an infected
person's blood and blood products via:
Blood transfusions or organ transplants (particularly before 1992, when
blood was not routinely screened for hep C) Unsterilized or inadequately
sterilized needles (from sharing I.V. needles for drugs or by an accidental
needle-stick) Exposure through cuts, wounds, and medical injections (this
includes getting body piercing or tattoos with contaminated equipment)
Among the hepatitis viruses, hep C carries with it the lowest risk of
sexual transmission, especially unlikely when in the context of a monogamous,
long-term relationship. It can happen, as can transmission from mother
to child during birth, but both are uncommon occurrences. It would also
be unlikely to transmit the hepatitis C virus through oral sex.
If other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not a concern to you
and your boyfriend, the use of condoms is not absolutely necessary. If
you want, you and your boyfriend can consult with your health care provider
for her/his advice. However, this is a matter of personal choice -- if
you or your boyfriend feel safer and more relaxed using condoms, then
there's your answer.
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I think I may have some kind of urinary tract infection. It came on very
suddenly, about three nights ago. And when I pee, there is a burning sensation
when my bladder has almost emptied. It's not an STD because I'm in a monogamous
relationship, and yes, I'm sure! Please help. Thank you.
--Burning Up
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Burning Up,
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are so common that most women and some
men get at least one at some point in their lives. They are usually caused
by bacteria, such as E. coli, which travel from the colon to the urethra
and bladder (and occasionally the kidneys). Trichomoniasis and chlamydia
can also cause UTIs; stress, low resistance, poor diet, damage to the
urethra from childbirth, surgery, etc., can predispose you to getting
them as well. Often, a sudden increase in sexual activity triggers a case
of "honeymoon cystitis," or urinary tract infection.
Cystitis is the most common form of UTI. It is rarely serious if treated.
Symptoms may include:
Feeling like you need to pee every few minutes Burning when you try to
pee Needing to pee with hardly anything coming out Some blood in your
pee (pink pee) Pain just above your pubic bone Strong odor to your morning's
first pee To prevent UTIs, treat mild infections, and avoid reinfections,
try the following self-help measures:
Drink lots of fluids every day. Urinate frequently, emptying your bladder
completely each time. Wipe yourself from front to back after a bowel movement
to keep bowel bacteria away from your urethra (for women only). Wash your
hands before having sex, and after contact with the anus before touching
the vagina. Make sure you are well-lubed before intercourse. Pee before
and after sex. For women, change sanitary napkins and tampons frequently
during your period. Cut down on or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and sweets.
Eat well and get enough rest. Manage your stress. Wear loose clothing.
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. When a UTI doesn't respond to self-help
treatment within twenty-four hours, or recurs frequently, see a health
care provider. Treatment is usually with antibiotics, and a drug called
Pyridium, which will relieve the pain and turn your urine a bright orange.
Untreated UTIs can lead to serious infections of the kidneys, so if pain
and symptoms persist, make sure you see a provider.
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I was wondering if it is possible to fracture or "break" my penis when it is erect. I have heard that it is possible and that it is painful. Can it be corrected and will it go back to normal?
-M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear M,
Even though there are no actual bones in a boner, it is possible to break one's penis. To understand how this incredibly rare and painful event can occur, we first need to review a little (or not so little) penile anatomy. The shaft of the penis is comprised of two chambers of spongy tissue, the corpora cavernosa, which run along the inside length of the penis. Erections occur when, in response to physical and/or mental triggers, the nerves of the penis signal the surrounding muscles to relax, allowing blood to pour into the corpora cavernosa. A thick membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa, the tunica albuginea, keeps the blood that is being pumped into those spongy chambers from being able to escape. The result — a stiffer, larger, and more rigid rod. Although your erect penis may feel rock-hard, it is still flesh and blood.
Penile fractures occur when an erect penis is thrust against a harder, less flexible object. This could happen if someone enthusiastically plunges and pumps his penis into a partner, or a pillow let's say, and misses or "over-runs" the intended opening and instead hits a pubic bone, headboard, or other hard surface. If the object is hard enough, and the erect penis is thrust with enough force, that thick membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa can tear, causing an audible "cracking" sound, abrupt loss of erection, severe pain and bruising, and a penis that is typically "bent" to one side or the other.
Penile fractures are a medical emergency and must be evaluated and treated immediately. In severe cases, it is possible to damage the urethra, interfering with urination. Treatment for penile fractures consists of immediate evaluation, and, most often, surgical intervention to repair the tunica albuginea and restore or preserve erectile function and the ability to pass urine. Similar to other fractures, the sooner the broken part is "set," the less likely permanent damage and misshapenness will result.
Even though many penile fractures can be fixed, it's probably safer and more pleasurable to focus on finesse rather than force when working and playing with an erection.
Again, broken penises are really hard to come by, so try not to let stories about this highly unlikely occurrence stand in the way of the happiness that your erect penis might bring to you and others.
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