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Everyone has questions about sex, but you may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor. Here are a few questions others have wondered about that may address things you've been curious about, too.
SCROTUM DARKENING
Q. The skin on my scrotum is getting darker. Is this normal?
A. It is normal for skin of the scrotum to get darker as you change from a boy into a man. Darkening of the scrotum skin is one of the first signs of puberty. It usually occurs at the same time that the skin changes from smooth to rough. The testicles also begin to enlarge at about this time. Darkening of the scrotal skin is perfectly normal and will be followed over the next few years by more dramatic changes: adult pubic hair, growth of the penis, hair in the armpits, larger and stronger muscles, facial hair and growth to an adult size. The timing of these changes is determined by genetic traits inherited from your parents.
LUNELLE
Q. What is Lunelle?
A. Lunelle is an injected contraceptive given once a month; it contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. This contraceptive is no longer available in the United States.
ANTIBIOTICS AND THE PILL
Q. Is it true that antibiotics make the pill less effective or not work at all?
A. Yes and no. Research shows that most antibiotics do not decrease the blood levels of the hormones in the pill enough to increase your risk of pregnancy. But there are two exceptions, rifampin and griseofulvin. These antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Rifampin is usually prescribed to treat tuberculosis. Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections. The book "Contraceptive Technology" states that backup contraception is not necessary for women taking birth control pills and most antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes rifampin or griseofulvin, however, ask whether you need a backup form of birth control.
BENEFITS OF THE PILL
Q. What are the benefits of taking the pill, besides for birth control? Is it good for your skin?
A. Most women go on the pill to avoid getting pregnant, but birth control pills do more than just protect you from pregnancy. They can help reduce menstrual cramps, regulate irregular periods and lighten your menstrual flow. The pill has also been shown to decrease a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer -- cancer in the lining of your uterus. The pill can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease and may help alleviate fibrocystic breast disease. And yes, there are several types of birth control pills that help with acne.
YEAST INFECTION?
Q. I have a thick white discharge and am itchy "down there"? Is this a yeast infection?
A. It is not a safe practice to diagnose any medical condition without evaluating an individual's clinical symptoms in person. If you have not had a diagnosed yeast infection before, it is important to see your health care provider to be sure that the symptoms you're experiencing are those of a yeast infection. Something is going on and you should see a health care provider to establish an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
References
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Puberty -- Changes for Males
- American Pregnancy Association: Lunelle Monthly Injection
- "Contraceptive Technology"; Robert Hatcher, M.D., M.P.H., et al.; 2009
- National Cancer Institute; Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers; May 2006
