Doctor's Advice: Is it possible for a virgin to get an STI?

Q Doctor, I am 17 and female. I am real worried that I may have some sex infection. Or could it be cancer? The problem is that for the last six months, I have had a kind of discharge from my genitals. Sometimes it is clear, and sometimes it is more cloudy. I have noticed that if I ever think about sexual matters, there is more of it. Doc, I should explain that I am really a virgin. Around a year ago, I let a boy touch me 'down there'. But I have not done anything else sexually, except that I do masturbate occasionally with my fingertip. Has that done me any harm?

A No, it has not done you any harm. Also, you do not have cancer. And if you really are a virgin, it is almost unthinkable that this discharge could be due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Virgins virtually never get STIs, which is one good reason why girls should try and stay virgin!

Now, what you are describing is a vaginal secretion, which is sometimes clear and sometimes cloudy, and which increases in volume whenever time you think about sex.

What you are describing is normal for your age. You see, from teenage years onwards, the female genital organs are supposed to produce a certain amount of fluid each day. It varies in appearance and texture, depending on which stage of the menstrual cycle the woman has reached. For instance, when you are near the time of ovulation (egg release), it should be 'stretchy', wet and slippery.

Also, if a girl thinks about sex or romance, it is usual for the amount of flow to increase for a few minutes. This phenomenon is referred to as lubrication. Its physiological function is to lubricate the vagina in case sexual intercourse should occur.

So summing up, I would say that you are entirely normal, and have nothing to fret about. If you need any further reassurance, you could perhaps consult a knowledgeable female doctor, who could check you over and reassure you that all is well.

Q I am a guy of 18, and a good sportsman. Recently, I have been getting jabbing pains below my left nipple, particularly after training. Are these pains a symptom of a heart attack, Doc?

A That is most unlikely at your age. Many young men and some young women are troubled by aches and pains below the left nipple, particularly after exercise.

But the pain does not come from the heart. It arises in the muscles of the chest, and is usually of no significance. It is so common that it has two medical names: Da Costa's syndrome; and soldiers' heart.

The reason for the name 'soldiers' heart' is this. A century or so ago, physicians discovered that a huge number of young trainee soldiers had this symptom. But it turned out that there was nothing wrong with their hearts at all.

As you have been fretting, I feel it would be best if you just asked a doctor to sound your heart, and give you a brief physical. But I am pretty sure that he will tell you that you can pay this symptom no mind.

Q I am 20 years old, and engaged to a wonderful guy, who is great in the sack. But he has been reading a lot about sex, and now he wants to buy a vibrator toy and use it on me. Could this be dangerous for my health, Doc?

A No. Vibrators hardly ever cause any health problems provided that they are carefully cleaned after use. It is a little unusual for a young couple to employ one, since they are mainly favoured by women over the age of 25. But if you and your fiancé think you will find such a device helpful, then go ahead.

Q My girlfriend and I are both 21, and we are thinking of using condoms. But can pregnancies occur with this device? And if so, what is the failure rate?

A Pregnancies can occur with any kind of contraception, particularly if people do not use it properly. In the case of the condom, the failure rate is real low for well-motivated couples who use the device in the correct way. This means:

Putting it on before intercourse starts;

Keeping it on throughout intercourse;

Being real careful to avoid spillage when intercourse is over;

Avoiding tearing the condom with jewellery or teeth.

With a sensible couple who follows those rules strictly, the failure rate of the condom is less than one per cent. But if people take chances, for instance by 'riding bareback' for a few minutes, the failure rate will be higher.

Q I am 19, and I would like to use internal sanitary protection, but I just do not know how to put in these objects, Doc.

A Do not fret. It is really quite easy. In every pack of tampons, there is a leaflet, which tells you what to do. In the early months of tampon usage, it is usually best to carry out the insertion while standing up, with one foot on a chair. It may be helpful to lubricate the tip of the tampon with a little Vaseline. If you have difficulty, ask a midwife, nurse or doctor to advise you.

Q Last week, I had sex with my girlfriend while 'riding bareback'. I pulled out at the last minute, but I have a real bad feeling that I may have left some sperm in there. Do you think she is pregnant?

A Unfortunately, the big problem with this kind of withdrawal is that the guy may not quite manage to pull out in time. So some seminal fluid gets into the young lady, and the result may be that she conceives.

Alas, it is now too late for your girlfriend to use the morning-after pill (post-coital pill), so the two of you will just have to wait and see if her menses arrive.

Q My periods do not seem to be like the ones that other girls have. For instance, last month, I bled every day for 10 days, then was OK for around a week, and after that bled for a fortnight. Do I need medical help? My mother says I must just 'put up with it'.

A In this case, your mother is mistaken. Sounds like you bled for 24 days in a month, which is all wrong! If you go on like this, you will soon be anaemic (weak-blooded).

Yes, you do need to see a doctor to find out what is happening. She will probably put you on a course of tablets, which should put you right. With luck, you will soon be losing for only four-five days every month.

Q I am a guy who spends four hours a day looking at porn. Could I get pills that would cure me of this addiction?

A Pills will not help. See a youth counsellor or therapist, who will guide you so that you become less dependent on that type of thing.

Email questions for Doc to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.