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About Dr. Booth: Dr. Booth Enticenhymen is a resident sexpert of the famous Hoppenflotzen Sexual Dysfunction Clinic in Sizetmaters, Germany. Dr. Booth, as his patients call him, was born in Fargo, North Dakota on January 1, 1976. He received his medical degree in urology from the Milïken Böne University of Medicine in Greifswald, Germany in 1999. Because of his excellent bedside manner and good looks, he was named #1 in Pleasure Magazine's 2005 "Top Cocks in Docs."
Dear readers,
Sincerely, |
Dear Dr. Booth,
I'm a twenty-four year old college student with a spotty problem. Recently, I've discovered bumps, resembling little smooth moles with dimples all over my pubic area and abdomen. They don't itch, burn, or hurt, but I'm a wrestler and I shave my body, so the red bumps really show up and they just keep getting worse! I'm sexually active, but my partner (another wrestler) doesn't seem to have these bumps. What can they be? And what can I do?
Spotty in Saratoga
Dear Spots,
Well, there is no way for me to know for certain what your bumps are without a proper physical exam, but it sounds to me like you have contracted Molluscum Contagiosum. Molluscum is a virus often seen in children, but can occur in adults. Believe me, I've seen lots of adults with it. It is spread through direct contact, which is why it is sometimes classified as an STD, but it can also be spread through sharing towels, swimming pools, and even something as benign as using a weight bench that hasn't been cleaned.
Now, before you panic, Molluscum is self-limiting. Which means it only lasts a few months for most people. Sometimes it can last a few years, but it's unusual. More good news, it is completely benign and non-life threatening. Molluscum is more of a nuisance than any thing else. On a more serious note, since I am assuming your sexual partner is male, and even if your partner was female, some times Molluscum will occur in people who are immune compromised, so it is a good idea to be HIV tested on a regular basis.
Okay, now that you know it might be Molluscum, what can you do? First of all, QUIT SHAVING! Molluscum is a virus. It invades the body through small breaks in the skin and hair follicles. This is why your condition is worsening. I understand it isn't always desirable to be hairy, but there are times when it is a necessity. Like now. And while these bumps look bad, do not scratch or pick at them. It will only serve to cause you secondary infections and help spread the bumps all over.
And lastly, my advice is for you to go see your physician for a physical examination to make certain you don't have something else.
Dear Doc B,
I'm a sexually active 34 year old man dating a woman who is only 23. Recently, I noticed a yellow discharge from my penis. I went to my doctor and he has diagnosed me with Chlamydia. My problem is for one, it's embarrassing getting a sexually transmitted disease at any age, let alone mine. I've had a few partners over the last three months outside of my girlfriend, and I don't know how to tell her. When they took my sexual history, I left her name out of it and I've been treated. She isn't complaining of any symptoms, so, is it really important to tell her? We almost always use condoms, so she's probably okay, right?
Hiding out in Harrisonville
Dear Hiding,
Or should I say, coward. I'm not trying to be harsh, but realistically, you need to be a man and tell your girlfriend. Here are the reasons why:
1. Most women who have Chlamydia have ZERO symptoms. They do not find out they've been infected or have the infection until they are told by their male partners.
2. Untreated Chlamydia, while it may resolve itself in males with no long term effects, untreated in women can cause permanent damage to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissue. The damage includes infertility, chronic (long term) pelvic pain from the scarring, and the greater likelihood of fatal ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies outside of the uterus).
3. If you are in an adult sexual relationship, even if you have been cheating, it is your responsibility to your partner to be honest with her before any lasting damage is done.
If for some reason she checks out negative, well that's wonderful for her. But, since there is a chance she could have contracted the illness from you, or even a previous partner, you need to let her know she should get tested. I don't want to be cliché and say "Be a man." But, Hiding out, be a man.
Oh, and ladies, if you are in a relationship in which you are sexually active, even if you trust your partner, you should get regular STD exams, just for the above such reasons.
Dear Dr. Booth,
I was married for ten years and divorced my husband last year. I've begun dating again, and I heard one of my girlfriends mention that sex can cause cancer. I've been panicked ever since. I've lost my father, grandfather, and grandmother all to cancer, and while it's probably ridiculous, it's got me freaked out. Is there any truth to this? Can sex really cause cancer? Or is my friend just blowing smoke up my ass? It's been thirteen months since I've had sex and I'm getting desperate, but don't want to make a life-threatening mistake!
Horny but Horrified in Hollywood
Dear Horrified,
There is good news and bad news to this revelation. First, sex in itself does not cause cancer. Yeah, good news! Unfortunately, the Human Papiloma Virus or HPV, an STD virus, also known as genital warts, has been linked to cancer. Yikes, bad news. A high number of cervical and anal cancers are directly related to contracting HPV through sexual contact, along with the recent studio on Oral cancers (cancer of the mouth and throat) being connected to this viral infection related to oral sex.
Women, at least in the United States, are often tested for HPV when they go in for their annual Pap smears. Unfortunately, it is not easily detected in men unless they have an outbreak of genital warts. The really scary part is a condom doesn't always prevent the spread of HPV if the man maybe has the warts at the base of his genitals, around the scrotum, etc.
How to aid in prevention: well the obvious is abstinence. If that's not an option for you (I know it wouldn't be for me), then the female condom is probably the most reliable method. It has a really wide base that covers the majority of the labia's soft tissue.
Sometimes it's just a matter of blind faith. It's good to be cautious, but you can't live your life in fear. If you find a partner that you trust enough to have sex with, be as safe as possible, get regular yearly paps, and try to relax and enjoy yourself.
Thank you readers for your great questions! And thanks OCO for allowing me to guest on your column. From Germany, this is Dr. Booth Enticenhymen wishing you lots of healthy and pleasurable sex.
*Dr. Booth is a fictional character. This column is meant to be fun and informative and not a replacement for your doctor. If you are experiencing medical problems or difficulties, please see your physician.
If you have any questions for Dr. Booth, please feel free to email him. He can't answer every question, but he will certainly try. drbooth2006@yahoo.com