Dear Doc | Can I get my wife pregnant with only one testicle?
Published:Monday | October 9, 2017 | 12:00 AM
Q Good day, Doc, I am 32 years old, and when I was 12 years old, I had an accident and lost one of my testicles. Now I am married and I'm wondering If I can get my wife pregnant? See Doc, sometimes I feel a sharp pain down there.
A Being able to procreate with only one testicle may be nature's way of ensuring survival of our species. Once you are in good health, you should be able to get your wife pregnant as your remaining testicle also produces sperm ... best of luck.
Unable to conceive
Q Doc I have a big problem in my life. I am 33 years old and I got pregnant when I was 14 years old. I had an abortion so that I could further my education. Now I am with a man for over 10 years and I haven't got pregnant. I went to a gynaecologist about three years ago, and she gave me a paper to go do some kind of fertility test, but I did not do it. Now my spouse is saying its full time. I have not told him about the abortion. My question is, will I ever get pregnant again? I weigh 220 pounds and I am 5ft2".
My next issue is that sometimes when I urinate after sex, my vagina burns - it makes me so uncomfortable. It itches me too, and the discharge in my underwear has a smell. Sometimes it burns me for hours after I urinate. Please, Doc, give me some advice.
A Good day, you should have done the tests requested by your doctor - it's not too late. Both you and your partner should get a medical check up and fertility testing to ensure that there are no factors which could prevent you from conceiving.
Pertaining to the subject of your abortion, this was many years ago - discussing it with your spouse at this time may not be of benefit to your relationship.
Your weight and height suggests A level of obesity which can contribute to a decrease in fertility due to the hormonal effects of fatty tissue. Therefore, losing a few pounds would help.
The symptoms you describe such as unpleasant vaginal odour, itching, and burning after urinating, suggests the presence of a urinary tract infection possibly also a vaginal infection. Please see your doctor urgently for a check on these.
Severe period cramps
Q Doctor, I am a 43-year-old female and for my last two periods, I have experienced severe cramps to the point where I have vomited and couldn't walk. What could be the problem, Doc? Especially considering my age. I usually have cramps, but not this extreme. I am scared for my next period, what can I do?
A Have you done a pregnancy test? Pregnancy could be the cause of some of these symptoms. You are at an age close to menopause, and this creates a hormonal imbalance which can lead to more intense menstrual pain. Untreated pelvic infection is also another factor. Old and degenerating uterine fibroids and ovarian disease can also lead to the symptoms you described. See your doctor as soon as possible, and doing a pelvic ultrasound can be useful.
How soon can a woman miscarry?
Q Dear Doc, is it possible to have a miscarriage in the first three to four weeks?
A Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion ie not deliberately induced by chemical or physical means) is a term applied to pregnancies 'lost' at less than 22 weeks, so the answer is yes. Miscarriages at around 3 to 4 weeks are usually caused by genetic abnormalities, fibroids in the womb, medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, immune system disorders, blood group incompatibilities, infections such as HIV and/or chlamydia. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of miscarriage. Increased maternal age is also a risk factor. However, in many cases an exact cause cannot be found.
The milk debate
Q Dear Doc, I recently switched to a more alkaline diet, but I still use the fat-free skimmed milk to make banana smoothies. However, I notice that the white pigmentation that gives the milk its colour has separated from the fluid and has settled at the bottom. This doesn't happen to the 2 per cent milk I've had for 2 weeks now. Is it normal for skimmed milk to behave this way? Is this even the real skimmed milk, or a bootleg version? I got the store brand. And finally, am I in any immediate medical danger from drinking this milk?
A It is important to check the expiry dates on all food products. Consuming expired dairy products such as milk can cause intestinal upset such as bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
The subject of skimmed milk versus whole milk is a very controversial one, and much research is still being conducted in this area.
Skimmed milk is made when most of the fat is removed from whole milk. It contains less than one per cent fat, hence is less calorie dense and may be important for individuals who are obese and need to pay attention to their daily caloric intake. Because most of the fat is removed, it also contains much less fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A. However, it supplies the same amount of protein and calcium.
Recent studies show that the saturated fat content of whole milk slows the rise in blood sugar as milk contained sugar called lactose. This is a factor that diabetics should take into consideration. There is also a great debate as to the effects of saturated fat in processed whole milk versus raw whole milk on cholesterol.
So you can see that when it comes to nutrition and overall health "one size does not fit all". Moderation, temperance, and guidance from your health-care provider are wise practices.
His sperm keeps running out
Q Hi Doc, I've seen your column in The Gleaner, and I would like to ask you a question. I am living with my boyfriend, and he is trying to get me pregnant for months now, but every time he leaves his sperms inside of me it keeps running out no matter what.
A Please understand that the vagina is an open channel and any fluid that goes in will eventually run back out. Ejaculation fluid contains millions of sperm which have tails that allow them to swim in vaginal mucous through the cervix, pass the womb and into the tube where one or sometimes two of them fertilise the egg. So even though some of the sperm will run out in the ejaculate, many are still inside and some survive in the vagina for up to three days and in the cervix, womb and tubes for up to seven days. So once you and your partner are healthy, you will get pregnant eventually. Good luck.
No orgasms during intercourse
Q I am overly concerned that I do not have orgasms during sexual intercourse. From my recollection, it only happened about twice in the past after a lot of effort. My husband is not patient, so he lets me masturbate, which is not totally enjoyable. I have read many articles on how to achieve an orgasm but none actually work. I don't know if my mind has any thing to do with it. I need your help because I am missing out on the true pleasure of sex.
A Sorry to hear about your distress. In fact, across the world, women have this problem. The reason are the mechanisms involved as the female orgasm is a complex issue which is still poorly understood.
Approximately 80 per cent of women cannot achieve an orgasm by vaginal penetration alone, and most need stimulation of the clitoris as well. Many women require around 30 minutes of foreplay (kissing, caressing) in order to be ready for intercourse, so patience is a virtue that your partner needs to develop. Anxiety, worry and stress does reduce sexual desire and performance in both men and women via hormonal mechanisms. The fact that you achieve orgasm by masturbation suggests that your neural pathways are intact. However, achieving orgasm solely by this means is not ideal within a relationship. Maybe you both should see a certified sex therapist. They are listed in the yellow pages. All the best.