Chances of Conception Nil After Menopause
Menopause
Q I am a 47-year-old woman. I stopped menstruating 3.5 years ago. My partner is worried that I might become pregnant if we have unprotected sex. It does slightly worry me too. My medical history is unremarkable with no menstrual problems and menopause problems. How can I find out if I am still ovulating?
Cessation of menstruation and the age of 47 indicate that you have attained menopause. Hence the chances of you getting pregnant are practically nil. You can get examined by a gynaecologist or get your reproductive hormones levels assessed to confirm your menopausal status. To know whether you are ovulating or not you can undergo follicular study using ultrasound scanners.
Q I am 21 years old. I started masturbating for the first time in my life three months ago. I have been noticing a white film-like substance at the tip of the penis, and it also has a foul smell. Is it a symptom of any serious illness?
Masturbation is a perfectly normal act. Even babies keep fondling their genitals. This is simply a normal learning process whereby they understand their own bodies. Masturbation is a substitute for sexual intercourse. The difference being, masturbation is entirely self oriented unlike sexual intercourse, which is very much a shared experience, the objective being mutual pleasure, emotional satisfaction or procreation. The semen which is expelled from the penis during masturbation is dilute milky white in color. Usually the semen will smell fruitish or it may have the smell of chlorine.
If it smells foul, then probably there is an infection of the prostate gland. Consult a doctor in person.
The writer is a sexologist. Mail him at dr.narayana@deccanmail.com