Print out these questions and answers to discuss with your doctor.
1. Does a Man Go Through Menopause?
Yes, but to a different extent as women. Menopause is a term used to describe the end of a woman's fertility. Female menopause is characterized by changes in hormone production. The testes, unlike the ovaries, do not lose the ability to make hormones. A healthy male may be able to make sperm well into his 80's or longer.
On the other hand, subtle changes in the function of the testes may occur as early as 45-50 years of age, and more dramatically after the age of 70. Since men do not go through a distinct period of menopause, some doctors refer to this as androgen (testosterone) deficiency in the aging male (ADAM). Men typically experience a decline in the production of testosterone due to aging but it can also be related to some diseases such as diabetes.
Whether waning function of the testicles contributes to such symptoms as fatigue, weakness, depression, decreased sexual desire or impotence often remains uncertain.
There are treatments for these symptoms. If testosterone levels are low, replacing that hormone may help relieve symptoms, such as the loss of interest in sex, depression, and fatigue. However, replacing male hormones can worsen prostate cancer and high cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor to see if hormone treatment is right for you.
2. How Often Should I Get a Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear?
3. I Am Considering Having My Newborn Boy Circumcised. What Are the Benefits? Are There Any Risks?
The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues to be debated. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend routine circumcision for newborn males. But, there is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including:
- A decreased risk of urinary tract infections
- A reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases in men
- Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners
- Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin).
- Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location)
Circumcision may also make it easier to keep the end of the penis clean. Although, some studies show that good hygiene can help prevent certain problems with the penis, including infections and swelling, even if the penis is not circumcised. In addition, using a condom during sex will help prevent STDs and other infections.
As with most medical procedures, there are risks associated with circumcision. These include:
- Pain
- Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
- Irritation of the glans
- Increased risk of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis)
- Risk of injury to the penis
4. Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?
A woman's vagina normally produces a discharge that usually is described as clear or slightly cloudy, non-irritating and odor-free. During the normal menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of discharge can vary. At one time of the month there may be a small amount of a very thin or watery discharge; and at another time, a more extensive thicker discharge may appear. All of these descriptions could be considered normal.
A vaginal discharge that has an odor or that is irritating usually is considered an abnormal discharge. The irritation might be itching or burning, or both. The itching may be present at any time of the day, but it often is most bothersome at night. These symptoms often are made worse by sexual intercourse. It is important to see your doctor if there has been a change in the amount, color, or smell of the discharge.
5. Is Hormone Treatment for Menopause Bad for Me?
There has been much debate by the scientific community regarding the safety of hormone treatment. In general, hormone treatment is believed to maintain healthy bones after menopause, in addition to relieving menopausal symptoms. But, like all treatments, there may be some harmful side effects, including an increased risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer and breast cancer.
6. Can I Get Pregnant If I am Breastfeeding?
Yes. Even though breastfeeding may suppress or delay menstruation, you can still get pregnant. Ovulation will occur before you start having menstrual periods again, so follow your doctor's recommendation on the appropriate method of birth control to use.
7. Can a Hysterectomy Cause Sexual Problems?
Some women may experience changes in sexual function after a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). These changes may include a loss of desire, and decreased vaginal lubrication and genital sensation. These problems may be associated with the hormonal changes that occur with the loss of the uterus. Furthermore, nerves and blood vessels critical to sexual function can be damaged during the hysterectomy procedure.
8. Can a Person with Syphilis Spread the Disease?
Yes. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. A person with syphilis can spread the infection during the first two stages of the disease. If you come in contact with an open sore (first stage) or skin rash (second stage), you can pick up the bacteria that cause the infection. If the bacteria enter your body through an opening such as the penis, anus, vagina, mouth or broken skin, you can get syphilis.
If a person has had syphilis for more than two years, it's unlikely that he or she can spread the disease. Don't take a chance. Use a lubricated condom during sex.
9. How Do People Get HIV?
A person gets HIV when an infected person's body fluids (blood, semen, fluids from the vagina or breast milk) enter his or her bloodstream. The virus can enter the blood through linings in the mouth, anus or sex organs (the penis and vagina), or through broken skin.
Both men and women can spread HIV. A person with HIV can feel okay and still give the virus to others. Pregnant women with HIV also can give the virus to their babies.
Common ways people get HIV:
- Sharing a needle to take drugs.
- Having unprotected sex with an infected person.
You cannot get HIV from:
- Touching or hugging someone who has HIV/AIDS.
- Public bathrooms or swimming pools.
- Sharing cups, utensils, or telephones with someone who has HIV/AIDS.
- Bug bites.
10. Is It OK to Use Vaseline As a Lubricant with a Latex Condom?
No. Use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly, with condoms. Oil-based lubricants, like Vaseline, will weaken the condom and cause it to break.
11. I Forgot to Take My Birth Control Pills. What Should I Do?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, go ahead and take 2 pills that day. If you forget to take your pills for 2 days, take 2 pills the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. You will then be back on schedule. If you miss more than 2 pills, call your health care provider for instructions. Those instructions may be to take one pill daily until Sunday and then start a new pack or to discard the rest of the pill pack and start over with a new pack that same day.
Any time you forget to take a pill, you must use another form of birth control until you finish the pill pack. When you forget to take a pill, you increase the chance of releasing an egg from your ovary. However, if you forget to take any of the last 7 out of the 28 day pills you will not raise your chance of pregnancy since these pills contain only inactive ingredients. If you miss your period and have forgotten to take one or more pills, get a pregnancy test. If you miss 2 periods even though you have taken all your pills on schedule, you should get a pregnancy test.
12. Can I Get Pregnant If My Partner Pulls Out?
Pulling out before the man ejaculates, known as withdrawal, is not a foolproof method for contraception. Some ejaculate (fluid that contains sperm) may be released before the man actually begins to climax. In addition, some men may not have the willpower or be able to withdraw in time.
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