DOCTOR'S ADVICE - 'Viagra party' ... a hard choice

• 'Viagra party' ... a hard choice

Q. Doc, I am a guy of 18 and I have just been invited to a 'Viagra party' in St Andrew. I understand that there will be bowls of Viagra on the tables, and that guests can help themselves. Should I go? Is it safe to take these pills?

A: The idea of 'Viagra parties' for young people has emerged in the last year or so, particularly in the Corporate Area. I must say that as a doctor, I think that the whole idea is completely crazy.

Why? Well, first of all, Viagra is a powerful drug. It is not suitable for some people, and it can react with certain other medications. Occasionally, it can cause serious side effects, so it is not a very good idea to take it unless it has been prescribed for you by a doctor.

Second thing is this: Taking Viagra is completely pointless for most young men. You see, all it does is make it easier to get an erection. Most younger guys have plenty of erections already, and they certainly don't need any little blue pills to help them get hard.

Third thing: Viagra has no effect on sexual desire or sexual enjoyment. It is just a 'stiffener', so if you take one, you will not find that sex suddenly becomes much more enjoyable than it was before.

Finally, I have heard that at these foolish parties, young women sometimes take Viagra pills. This is utterly pointless. Research has shown that Viagra has no effect at all on females, except sometimes to make them 'lubricate' rather more than usual. My advice: steer clear of these foolish parties.

• Bad period pains

Q. Doctor, a few months ago, I started having a bad abdominal pain during my monthly period. Should I be concerned about this? It did not happen in the past.

A: No, there is no need to be concerned, but as the pain is clearly bad, you should do something about it.  The reason why I say that there is no need for 'concern' is this. Well, over 40 per cent of young women get significant period pain, so you are far from alone. It is actually a pretty normal thing for teenagers and females in their 20s.

You may wonder why this menstrual pain has suddenly started. Seems like your periods were pain-free until quite recently. Well, the probable reason is this. Generally, dysmenorrhoea (period pain) does not occur unless the young woman has started to ovulate (that is, release an ovum, or egg).

And young teenagers often do not ovulate until they have been having menses for some time. Therefore, their menses are pain-free. But once they start ovulating, then menstrual pain begins. I expect that is what has happened with you.

So what should you do now? I presume you have tried simple remedies like aspirin and paracetamol (acetaminophen). If these are not working, then you should have a consultation with a doctor. She will almost certainly be able to prescribe something that will take the 'dysmen' away completely. I wish you well.

• Shy guy blues

Q. I am a male virgin at age 26. I have to admit that there might be some reasons behind this. I feel hopeless about myself. And I don't actively pursue women, partly because I am shy. Also, I don't have the drive to meet women, and though I don't want to sound picky, although I see attractive women everywhere, I am not attracted to every one of them. I will admit that I am defensive with people when the subject of sex and virginity is brought up. I am really insecure about the whole thing. Also, I have it planted in my head that women don't like inexperienced guys. I have it in my mind that I should have 'done it' by now. Your advice, please.

A: Well, there is nothing to be ashamed of in being a virgin. You have certainly avoided a lot of possible trouble that way!  Also, please note that a few generations ago, it was accepted as perfectly normal for many men of your age to have remained virgins. Admittedly, that is not so today.

You seem to me to have several problems. First, you say that you are shy and insecure. And also, you are obviously rather prickly and defensive about matters of sex.  These feelings cannot be changed overnight, but they could be changed over a period of around six months, if you had regular sessions with a good therapist or counsellor. And that is what I would advise you to do. Finally, please do not rush into losing your virginity. That is never a good idea.

• Early discharge, unsatisfied fiancée

Q. I recently got engaged to a wonderful girl and we love each other. My problem, Doc, is that I am unable to give her a good time in bed. The reason is this. I 'come' too soon. I can only last around four to five minutes before I have to discharge. So it is all over before she can really get going. What can I do? Is it true that there is some tablet that can help me?

A: Well, you obviously have a mild case of premature ejaculation (PE), which affects many young men. It can be cured. The best treatment is the famous Masters-Johnson method, which you can look up on the Internet. However, that does require the help of a cooperative and well-motivated partner.

Yes, there is a tablet, or rather a capsule, which can be of temporary help. It is actually an anti-depressant, but it has the additional effect of slowing down orgasms. It is called clomipramine (or Anafranil), and the usual dose is 25 milligrammes. Please note that it is not a cure. But if you take one about three hours before sex, there is a good chance that your orgasm will be significantly delayed.

This medication has many possible side effects, like dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision. Occasionally, it can cause serious health problems. So you should only take it if it has been prescribed by your doctor. Please do not buy illegal versions of this drug which are on sale in some bars, under the name of 'last-longer pills'.

• Curious about meds

Q. I have terrible menses, and my doctor wants to put me on something called 'mefenamic acid' for them. But I am afraid of taking something that has acid. What do you advise, Doc?

A: Mefenamic acid is not the sort of acid that burns you. It is actually a very good drug for treating heavy or painful periods. Its main drawback is that it can cause belly problems, such as pain, diarrhoea and occasionally bleeding from the stomach. So please take it exactly as your doctor prescribes. And make sure that you have food in your belly when you swallow a tablet.  But taking mefenamic acid should give you lighter and less painful menses.

• Strange discharge

Q. Last week, I went with a girl in Black River, and now I have pain while passing urine, plus a strange discharge from the penis. What could be wrong, Doc?

A: Could be chlamydia, could be gonorrhoea ('the clap'). Please see a doctor at once. Meantime, no sex, please.

Email questions to Doc at saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com and read more in the Outlook Magazine tomorrow.