ASK THE DOCTOR
Jan 30, 2007
My periods are painful<br>Dear Doctor,<br>I am 25 years old. I have had painful periods since I was 14. I have tried several pain killers and local herbs in vain. What can relieve me of the pain? Does this lead to infertility?<br>Grace
My periods are painful
Dear Doctor,
I am 25 years old. I have had painful periods since I was 14. I have tried several pain killers and local herbs in vain. What can relieve me of the pain? Does this lead to infertility?
Grace
Dear Grace,
Painful periods are a common complaint. The pain starts hours before the periods and lasts through the period.
It varies from person to person. In most people, it is a mild to moderate discomfort, but some suffer considerable distress. In a few cases, the pain may be due to another problem like fibroids, but in the vast majority, no such cause is found.
To control this pain, it is necessary to use aspirin-like-drugs called NSAIDS. The most common ones are ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and diclofenac.
Take them just before the pains start and continue until the periods end. If one drug does not work for you, you can try another.
Contraceptive pills and drugs for spasm can increase their effect. Talk to your doctor about this.
This problem is not associated with infertility. Many women have it, but can have children without any problems.
I blow up in 10 seconds
Dear Doctor,
I am 26 years and have a girlfriend whom I have dated for two years. My problem is I ejaculate within 10 seconds, even on the second or third round. Why is this so? My girl is tired of me, but I love her so much.
Ben
Dear Ben,
Coming too quickly (premature ejaculation) is a common problem. Many times, it is associated with lack of sexual experience, less frequent sex, too much excitement and psychological issues like anxiety, guilt, depression and problems with your partner. Physical problems may also contribute. It happens frequently at the beginning of a sexual life and improves with experience. Most people do not need to seek medical advice, but if it is occurring as often as it is with you, you need to see a doctor. The doctor will advise on the treatment. There are many drugs which can stop the problem.
I get nasal congestion
Dear Doctor,
I get a blocked nose during cold weather. Whenever I am in a dusty place, or sometimes when I am sleeping, I get difficulty in breathing and sneezing. Some people say I could be having sinuses. What can I do?
Geoffrey
Dear Geoffrey,
This problem is called ‘allergic rhinitis’. It is an allergy — a reaction to something in your environment like dust. The symptoms are similar to those of a flu or cold, except that they come and go depending on dust. ‘Sinuses’ or sinusitis is a different problem.
Like all allergies, the best treatment is to remove that thing you are allergic to. You will not react and have those symptoms. Unfortunately this may be impossible. For example, you may be able to avoid cats if it is fur that you are allergic to. But you cannot avoid the dust on our roads.
In this case, a doctor will give you drugs like anti-histamines to control the symptoms. They do not cure, but can improve your life tremendously.
Dr. Paul Semugoma
semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug
Dear Doctor,
I am 25 years old. I have had painful periods since I was 14. I have tried several pain killers and local herbs in vain. What can relieve me of the pain? Does this lead to infertility?
Grace
Dear Grace,
Painful periods are a common complaint. The pain starts hours before the periods and lasts through the period.
It varies from person to person. In most people, it is a mild to moderate discomfort, but some suffer considerable distress. In a few cases, the pain may be due to another problem like fibroids, but in the vast majority, no such cause is found.
To control this pain, it is necessary to use aspirin-like-drugs called NSAIDS. The most common ones are ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and diclofenac.
Take them just before the pains start and continue until the periods end. If one drug does not work for you, you can try another.
Contraceptive pills and drugs for spasm can increase their effect. Talk to your doctor about this.
This problem is not associated with infertility. Many women have it, but can have children without any problems.
I blow up in 10 seconds
Dear Doctor,
I am 26 years and have a girlfriend whom I have dated for two years. My problem is I ejaculate within 10 seconds, even on the second or third round. Why is this so? My girl is tired of me, but I love her so much.
Ben
Dear Ben,
Coming too quickly (premature ejaculation) is a common problem. Many times, it is associated with lack of sexual experience, less frequent sex, too much excitement and psychological issues like anxiety, guilt, depression and problems with your partner. Physical problems may also contribute. It happens frequently at the beginning of a sexual life and improves with experience. Most people do not need to seek medical advice, but if it is occurring as often as it is with you, you need to see a doctor. The doctor will advise on the treatment. There are many drugs which can stop the problem.
I get nasal congestion
Dear Doctor,
I get a blocked nose during cold weather. Whenever I am in a dusty place, or sometimes when I am sleeping, I get difficulty in breathing and sneezing. Some people say I could be having sinuses. What can I do?
Geoffrey
Dear Geoffrey,
This problem is called ‘allergic rhinitis’. It is an allergy — a reaction to something in your environment like dust. The symptoms are similar to those of a flu or cold, except that they come and go depending on dust. ‘Sinuses’ or sinusitis is a different problem.
Like all allergies, the best treatment is to remove that thing you are allergic to. You will not react and have those symptoms. Unfortunately this may be impossible. For example, you may be able to avoid cats if it is fur that you are allergic to. But you cannot avoid the dust on our roads.
In this case, a doctor will give you drugs like anti-histamines to control the symptoms. They do not cure, but can improve your life tremendously.
Dr. Paul Semugoma
semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug