ASK THE DOCTOR

Jan 02, 2007

Can I conceive?<br>Dear Doctor,<br>I got married last year and wanted to get a child by 2007, but failed. My husband works in a distant place and just comes over the weekends. How can I know the danger days when I can conceive? Is there a way to get a baby of your choice?<br>K.H

Can I conceive?
Dear Doctor,
I got married last year and wanted to get a child by 2007, but failed. My husband works in a distant place and just comes over the weekends. How can I know the danger days when I can conceive? Is there a way to get a baby of your choice?
K.H

--Dear KH,
The so called ‘danger days’ are days in the woman’s month when sexual intercourse is most likely to lead to pregnancy; effectively the days of fertility. They are four to five days in the month and occur about two weeks after the periods.
To pinpoint them, three indicators are used including, changes in your cervical mucus, changes in your body temperature and changes in the position of your cervix. A family planning counsellor, midwife or doctor can teach you how to locate your fertile days. The knowledge is a guide to when you are most likely to become pregnant after sex. It is not an absolute indicator. There is no certain way of choosing the sex of your baby.


I have back pain
Dear Doctor,
I am 26 and have had backache for over two years. It starts with intense heat around the upper back. The pain concentrates on one particular small spot. When I am on tension, it palpitates. Do I need an operation?
Willy

-- Dear Willy,
Back pain is a very common symptom. In many cases, it is due to bad postures we take up in our office chairs and soft beds, or when we are over-weight and get little exercise. This kind of pain goes within two months, though it may come back. Long-lasting back pain needs to be investigated to make sure that there is no other cause. In many cases, no specific cause can be found. Your doctor may recommend pain killers to make you comfortable. They are not a cure. Attention to your posture, in bed and when seated, loss of excess weight and regular exercise may help. In your case, some of the pain seems to be related to stress. Decreasing stress may help decrease pain. See a doctor for examination.

My behind itches
Dear Doctor,
I am 50 years old. I have itching of the anus, with swellings and sometimes blood discharge. It has taken some time. I have tried creams and inserts. I even get problems sitting down. What can I do?
Ssenyonga

-- Dear Ssenyonga,
The problem could be haemorrhoids or piles, which are swollen veins at the anus. It could also be something else. You need to see a doctor to make a diagnosis and advise on treatment. I know it can be embarrassing, but you can insist on seeing a doctor of the same sex. Piles can be a nuisance but they can also be adequately treated. Most times creams or inserts are used, but if they are still disturbing, an operation is done to remove them and solve the problem for good. So see a doctor to have a diagnosis and treatment.

I want a baby
Dear Doctor,
I am 24 and have had three abortions, but now, I want a baby. I would like to try fertility pills but I do not know how to use them. I am worried that I am no longer be capable of conceiving.
Worried Leah

-- Dear Leah,
You should not be worried about your fertility because you got pregnant three times. You are fertile. At 24, you are still young. You certainly do not need any ‘fertility pills’. You should not be worried about being fertile but take this opportunity to plan your family and avoid the risks of unwanted pregnancies.

Dr. Paul Semugoma – semugoma@hotmail.com Write to Ask The Doctor, Box 9815, Kampala OR health@newvision.co.ug

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