DOCTOR'S ADVICE - Is 67 too old to be a dad?

• Q.  
  
  I am a man aged 67, but still pretty active sexually. Am I now too old to become a father?
  

A. No, not at all. There have been many men who have become babyfathers while in their 60s, 70s or even 80s. So take care!

• Q.
  
  Doctor, can you resolve an argument between me and my husband: The point on which we disagree is this. Should women be able to orgasm from nipple stimulation alone?
  

We are both in our 30s, and until recently I thought we had a pretty good sex life. But lately we have been arguing about this particular topic. He keeps telling me that all women should be able to discharge simply from having the breasts stimulated. I think this is just foolishness! Nothing like it has ever happened to me.

On several occasions recently, he has insisted on stroking and rubbing my nipples for half an hour or even an hour at a time. Then he expresses disappointment when I do not climax!
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ut he says that he used to have a girlfriend who could do it every time from having her nipples rubbed or licked. And he claims that he has read somewhere that all females should be able to discharge like that.
 


Frankly, Doctor, this is beginning to make me feel inadequate.

A.  Well, I am not surprised that you feel badly about this. It is difficult to understand why your husband keeps on talking about an issue which is clearly making you unhappy. It seems like this is beginning to affect your relationship.

Now, what is the truth about nipple orgasms? They do exist, but they are not common.

I have seen some female patients who said that they could achieve them, but these women have definitely been in the minority.

As for statistics, there was a study in 1988 by a man named Dr Otto, who said that he had studied several hundred women and that 29 per cent of them had told him that they had experienced nipple orgasms at some time or other.

But other studies have cast some doubt on this result. Another survey claimed that only one per cent of women could have breast orgasms.

Some authorities state that a lot depends on what time of the menstrual cycle it is, and that nipple climaxes are more likely to occur at around the date of ovulation, or perhaps just before a period.

There has also been some research which suggests that women are more likely to have that type of orgasm during the months they are breastfeeding, when the nipples are very sensitive. It seems likely that when this breast climax phenomenon occurs, it is somehow connected with the hormone oxytocin, which is produced in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, and which stimulates the female breast.

However, what is absolutely clear is this: Only a minority of women can climax through having the breasts stimulated. No serious medical researcher has ever suggested that the majority of females should be able to discharge from nipple stimulation alone.

So, your husband is being unreasonable in his repeated assertions that you should be able to do this. I suggest you tell him to calm down and stop making you feel bad! If he will not do so, I feel it is time for the two of you to consult a good marriage counsellor.

• Q.
  
  I am a 37-year-old man. I guess I am still pretty virile, Doc, because sometimes I can have sex three times for the night.
   
  
  
  But will this harm my health?
  

A.  No, not at all. No matter what age you are, orgasms cannot harm the health.

• Q.
  
  I am woman aged 38, and I have been advised to stop taking the Pill soon, mainly because I have 'pressure'.
   
  
  
  But what are the alternatives, Doctor?
  

A. Quite a number of women do have to give up taking the Pill when they are in their late 30s, especially if they have risk factors for strokes or heart attacks.

These risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, and family history of strokes.

Fortunately, there are now many alternatives to the Pill, including the condom, the cap (diaphragm), the coil, the Mirena (intra-uterine system) and sterilisation.

But many ladies who have to stop taking the Pill simply make the switch to the mini-Pill.

This tablet contains only ONE female hormone, instead of two. That makes it safer healthwise, particularly for the more mature female.

The mini-Pill's one slight drawback is that you have to remember to take it every single day of the year, preferably at around the same time. So there are no breaks, even when you are having menses. However, most women do not find it at all difficult to take a mini-Pill every day. It does not interfere with one's sex life.

Note: The mini-Pill, is also known as the progestogen-only Pill, the progestin-only Pill or the POP.

• Q.
  
  Doc, I am in the unhappy situation of having managed to get two women pregnant in a single month.
   
  
  
  I do not know how I managed this, because in the past I have always been a most careful man.
   
  
  
  Should I tell each of them about the other woman's pregnancy?
  

A. Well, you must bear in mind that whatever you do, they are quite likely to find out about each other eventually. My advice to you is to be honest, and tell both of them what has happened. Clearly, you are going to have to be a great deal more 'careful' in the future. Why not try and settle for having just one partner, and being faithful to her?

• Q.
  
  I have just reached menopause and, much to my surprise, it seems to be going pretty well.
   
  
  
  Will I still be able to enjoy sex after it is over?
  

A. Certainly, if you want to. Statistics show that many women continue to have happy and fulfilling sex lives after menopause.

• Q,
  
  I used to have regular periods, but since my 30th birthday, I have been bleeding several times a month, in-between the menses.
   
  
  
  Is this OK, Doc?
  

A. No, it isn't. It strongly suggests that something is wrong, most probably with your cervix or your womb. For your own protection, you should see a doctor right away. You need an internal examination, and almost certainly further tests. Do not delay.

• Q
  
  Are there any vitamins that will boost a man's virility or sperm count, Doc?
  

A . Personally, I do not believe so. But there are many 'alternative' (that is, non-medical) practitioners who think that taking vitamins is good for a guy's sexual health. What interests me is WHY you feel that your virility and your sperm count need boosting. If you are worried, talk this matter over with a doctor.

You can also read Doctor's Advice in The Gleaner every Saturday. Email questions to editor@gleanerjm.com
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