Q&A's: Health
Q: My friend dropped 25 pounds on a high protein diet. Are there any dangers in losing weight this way?
A: There can be. High protein diets, like the popular Atkins diet, allow you to cat unrestricted amounts of protein, including meats, eggs, and cheese, while limiting carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, fruits, and some vegetables. The theory is that high levels of carbs inhibit weight loss by producing excess insulin. But eating unlimited amounts of saturated fat, like those found in meat and cheese, can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. People on high protein diets also miss out on disease-fighting nutrients found in grains and produce. It's important to remember that not all carbs are evil. A safer approach is to get 45 to 65 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, to 35 percent from protein, and 20 to 25 percent from fat.
Q: I keep getting yeast infections. Is it because my fiancé and I are doing something wrong during sex?
A: That's unlikely, says Yeast infections occur when there's a disturbance in the vaginal ecology, thus causing an overgrowth of this naturally occurring organism. Some women get yeast infections after taking antibiotics, which kill off the good bacteria in the vagina, and disturb the peaceable kingdom. Getting pregnant or going on the Pill, both of which alter the vaginal environment, may also bring about this type of infection. Whatever the cause, over-the-counter and prescription creams such as Monistat are usually effective remedies. But if the infection persists or recurs soon after treatment, see your doctor, who will prescribe a stronger medication.
Q: I give my fiancé hints about what I like sexually, but he never picks up on them. What should I do?
A: If you're not getting through with your words, try body language. Gently move his hand to where you'd like to be touched. If his tempo is off, slow your body up or down until he gets in sync. Show him pictures or videos of things you enjoy and ask him if he'd want to try them. Rather than correcting him, you're asking him to embark on an adventure. Reverse psychology could also work. Tell him you want to be the best lover he's ever had, so you need to know exactly what he prefers. Chances are he'll reciprocate, asking what you like. If all else fails, be blunt but not brutal. Say something such as, "I really love when you do this or that, only could you do it a little harder, faster, whatever."
Q: Before I met my fiancé, I had sex with a lot of people. I'm wondering if, down the road, I'll be bored with the same person day after day.
A: You might be. It's the rare couple who can keep things exciting 24/7 till death do them part. Being aware that satisfying sex takes work and communication ensures its success. Are you already bored with your sex life? Did the previous relationships end because sex became routine? How you answer these questions can give you a good idea of your sexual staying power. If you come up lacking, consider talking with a therapist, either alone or with your fiancé. The problem may have less to do with who your partner is and more to do with your own fear of intimacy. Instead of viewing the stability in your relationship as sexual suicide, think of it as an aphrodisiac. When couples feel a mutual trust, they can express their innermost sexual thoughts - positions they'd like to try, fantasies they might harbor-without fear of rejection or recrimination.
Q: If I have unprotected sex during my period, can I get pregnant?
A: If you have a regular 28-day cycle, the chances are slim that you're ovulating during your period, but it's certainly possible. What's more, a woman can bleed between periods-at a time when she very well may be fertile for a variety of reasons, including a buildup of the uterine lining. Distinguishing that bleeding from the bleeding of a normal cycle can be difficult. If you're trying to avoid pregnancy, always use reliable birth control.
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