MALE

WHY DO I HAVE WET DREAMS?

A wet dream is when semen (the fluid containing sperm) is discharged from the penis when you are sleeping. Usually, wet dreams occur because of a dream that stimulated you sexually . A wet dream does not occur because of what you thought, fantasized or did during the day. You cannot control wet dreams voluntarily.

I WORRY ABOUT THE SIZE OF MY PENIS. IT LOOKS SMALLER THAN THOSE OF MY FRIENDS.

The size of a penis, like other parts of the body, differs from person to person. It will reach its normal size when a person reaches maturity. In any case, all penises are about the same size during erection. The size of a penis does not influence the sex function or the satisfaction derived from performing the function.

SINCE THE BODY PRODUCES SPERM ALL THE TIME, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SPERMS THAT ARE NOT RELEASED THROUGH EJACULATION?

Unreleased sperm cannot be stored in the body. If there is no ejaculation, the sperms die and are re-absorbed by the body.

FEMALE

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

The first day of the menstrual cycle is the day on which menstruation begins. The brain releases a hormone, which instructs the egg in the ovary to grow and mature. This egg is released from the ovary midway through the menstrual cycle. In the meantime, the uterus wall thickens in order to provide a fertile environment for a fertilised egg. If the egg is not fertilised, the uterus sheds the extra tissue lining. Blood, tissue and the unfertilised egg leave the uterus through the vagina as the menstrual flow. The average menstruation cycle lasts for 28 days, but it can be as short as 21 days and as long as 35 days.

I EXPERIENCE SERIOUS CRAMPS DURING MENSTRUATION. CAN I DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

Menstrual cramps are experienced when the uterus contracts to shed the lining that was made during the menstrual cycle . Severe cramps can occur if the hormones produced to promote the contraction of the uterus are excessive. If this happens, you should consult your doctor. A hot water bottle placed across the lower part of the abdomen can help relax the muscles. Some women find exercising can help ease the pain.

MY PERIODS ARE IRREGULAR. IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME?

Irregular periods are common in girls who are just beginning to menstruate. It may take the body a while, sometimes years, to regulate the changes. Stress, intensive athletic training, excessive dieting and excessive weight gain or loss can also affect the menstrual cycle. Consult your doctor to get the correct advice.

SOMETIMES I NOTICE WHITE, STICKY VAGINAL DISCHARGE. DO I HAVE AN INFECTION?

It is normal to have a vaginal discharge during certain times in a menstrual cycle. A few days after menstruation begins, you may notice thick, sticky, white, cloudy or yellowish discharge. After some time, the discharge becomes clearer and smoother, indicating that the egg is being released from the ovary. After that, the discharge again becomes sticky. Consult your doctor if you notice excessive discharge or if the discharge gives off a strong odour. This could be a sign of an infection.