Laser for nose bleeds!

I have had recurrent nose bleeds and my doctor says I should undergo laser treatment. Is this ok?

No, your doctor is a buffoon. While laser can be used, it is more expensive and also very painful. The easiest method is use of silver nitrate or electrocautery, which is much cheaper, just as effective and slightly less painful. However, you many want to try nasal packing first. Cauterization is generally done when packing fails to control the nose bleed. If nothing works, then a surgical approach to ligate the blood vessels may be required.

Lithium and alcohol

I am on  lithium for my bipolar disorder. Can I drink alcohol?

You can drink anything you want, even piss. But I should I want you, Lithium is not the medication you want to mess around with. The drug is very finicky and can cause serious side effects. I highly recommend you not take alcohol when you are on lithium. Dehydration can easily lead to toxicity of lithium. Lithium toxicity is permanent in most cases.

Bipolar and weight gain

Is there a medication for bipolar disorder that won’t cause weight gain?

The majority of medications that are used to treat BPD cause weight gain. The only ones which do not cause weight gain are the anticonvulsants, but they are not always effective. In addition the anticonvulsants have other adverse effects like sedation, excess fatigue and drowsiness. BPD is a very difficult disorder to treat because the patients are often non compliant and have other associated disorders. My advice is that if a drug works, stick with it  In many cases, what works in one patient does not mean it will work for you. There is no way around the side effects. Every single medication used to treat mood and behavior disorders is associated with side effects. To avoid weight gain, eat less and walk more.

Chelation therapy for headaches

My alternative healthcare practitioner recommended I undergo chelation therapy for my headaches. Is this safe?

Chelation therapy is bogus and so is your healthcare provider. Chelation therapy is dangerous and not approved by the FDA for treatment of headaches. I seriously urge you to see a reputable neurologist for your headaches. There are too many quacks in medicine, especially the alternative healthcare practitioners. Most do not know the arse from the mouth. In real medicine, chelation is only used to treat heavy metal poisoning. There is zero evidence that headaches are due to heavy metal poisoning. Please if you want to live a long life without hassles, stop seeing this fool.

Topiramate for tremor

Recently my doctor suggested I try topiramate for my essential tremor. What do you think?

Absolutely not. The drug has been evaluated in trials and was only marginally better than a sugar pill. Plus, in the trials many people dropped out because of side effects. The drug is also very expensive. My advice is go with propranolol- it is cheap, effective and has been around for 80 years. It is a safe medication.

Fenugreek and diabetes

I am a type 2 diabetic and have heard that fenugreek can lower blood sugars. Is this true?

Not that is Bullshit. Studies on fenugreek have been done but the results are difficult to interpret. Some people say the blood sugars do come down but others claim that there is no change in blood sugars. Most of these studies were non-randomized and sponsored by the manufacturers of fenugreek. Whenever you read that a study is sponsored by a pharmaceutical company or a manufacturer of a herb, that usually means the results have been fudged. If you want to live a healthy life without the complications of diabetes, then dump the fenugreek in the toilet and go and see a real doctor. We have some effective medications to lower blood sugars. Stop fooling  around with diabetes-it is not a pleasant disorder to mess with.

Do i have herpes?

I am a 23 year old female and recently had sex with a stranger at a party. Now I have broken out with painful sores on the outside of my vagina. How do I know if this is herpes?

In most cases, an astute physician can make a diagnosis of herpes by the history and physical exam. However, when you go for the physical, the doctor may obtain scrapings and send them to the lab to confirm that this is herpes. There are not many infections that present like herpes and in many cases, the lab test is not done. Herpes is the only STD that presents with painful vesicles (blisters).

Herpes genitalis

Can herpes from the genitals spread to other parts of the body?

No, herpes type 2 is limited to the genitals. The virus for some unknown reason loves the sex organs as much as humans. While on its own the virus will not spread to the rest of the body, it can be transmitted to your partner’s mouth, throat and genitals very easily. Herpes genitalis is not a life threatening infection,  but once you get herpes, you won’t forget it for a long time.

Vaginitis and sex

Is it OK to have sex if I have a vaginitis?

As long as you do not have a sexually transmitted infection, it is okay to have intercourse if you and your partner feel comfortable. The common variety of vaginitis is not transmitted to your partner. However, during vaginitis most women find it uncomfortable to have sexual intercourse. In addition, sometimes the odor of the infection is unpleasant. Best advice, wait a few days for the infection to subside. If you just can’t want to have sex, use a sex toy.

Butt lift surgery

Can anyone undergo a butt Lift procedure?

Well, you must have money and this is the only criteria most plastic surgeons think is valid. However, the surgery is not for everyone. If you are younger than 20 or older than 40, you should not undergo the procedure. If you smoke, you can have difficulty with wound healing. You also have to be realistic. You have to remember, not all surgeons are great technically. In most cases, the choice of your surgeon will determine your outcome. So take your time before rushing to surgery. There is no cosmetic procedure that is a surgical emergency and since you are paying for it, you should make an effort to learn something about your surgeon.

Combining cosmetic surgery procedures

Can butt lift surgery be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

You can rest assured, if you have the money, you can have a heart transplant and a colonoscopy done at the same time. Plastic surgeons are business people and will do anything to convince you to have more procedures. So if you want a nose job, big boobs, tight vagina, small arse, face-lift, Botox, just ask.

Butt lift surgery

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Is there anything I can do to make the results of butt lift surgery last long?

Best thing you can do is not gain weight. You have to remember two things you will never control- age and gravity. So walk or do some type of exercise and watch what you eat- if you are lucky your buttocks will remain firm and toned for many years- but aging and gravity will continue. In most cases, this sexy erotic look lasts a few years-if you are lucky

Treatment for post pregnancy skin discoloration

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Just before my delivery I noticed linear darkening of my skin below the belly button. Now that I have delivered, this skin discoloration is still present. Is there anything I can do about it?

You have what is called linea nigra. This is due to excess pigmentation of skin caused by a certain hormone released by the placenta. My best advice is to keep away from all doctors as this condition will improve on its own- it needs no treatment. You do not need to apply any oils, cream or ointment. Just be patient and within a few weeks it will disappear. There are many doctors who recommend bullshit plastic surgery procedures for this condition- they are simply known as scammers and you should avoid them. The same applies if you have melasma or cholasma-they require no treatment.

Canker sores and lidocaine

I tend to get recurrent canker sores. Each time my doctor prescribes lidocaine. Can this medication cure canker sores?

No, lidocaine is a short acting local anesthetic. It numbs the pain but does not cure canker sores. In fact the pain relief is only for a few seconds. I do not recommend it. You may just apply an ice cube and will get better pain relief. Lidocaine is expensive and a complete waste of money.

IBS and debulking agents

I have IBS and my doctor told me to take bulking agents on a regular basis. Will this help my disorder?

Unfortunately IBS is a difficult disorder to treat. Not all patients respond to the same medications. Moreover, even the responses are variable with the same medication. In general, patients with IBS do not respond to bulking agents like bran or psyllium. The only way to know is to try them out. Bulking agents are safe but they appear to worsen the symptoms of IBS in most patients. if you have tried cereals and this has not helped your IBS, i suggest you change your doctor or try something else.

Cocoa to lower blood pressure

Is it true that ingesting cocoa products can lower blood pressure?

In the last decade, many health miracles have been attributed to cocoa products. Almost every week someone seems to be cured of cancer or a serious medical disorder after ingesting cocoa. Cocoa does contains strong antioxidants, which are claimed to be good for health. However, as far as health is concerned, the effects of cocoa are not consistent, unpredictable or unreliable. 

The few studies on cocoa on blood pressure lowering did not show any benefit. The blood pressure lowering was minimal and similar to that obtained with a placebo (that is the same response you would get by drinking your own urine). If you have high blood pressure, I suggest you go and see your doctor. Fooling around with this silent disorder can lead to serious complications. In the meantime, stop smoking, eat less and walk more. The only thing cocoa will do - is give you severe constipation.

Finger in the arse

During sex, my girlfriend wants me to put my finger in her arse. Is this safe?

Well, some people find is pleasant to have a finger in the arse during sex. It is also known as postillionage. There is no harm to your girlfriend as long as your nails are not sharp and you are gentle.

On your part, you should not suck on the finger afterwards or place it any other orifice of your body without first washing the hands.

Some men also find it exciting to have the woman place a finger in the arse. Anecdotal reports indicate that it enhances the erection. This is a new trend in sex and statistics indicate that at least 2-5% of women/men, love it. I guess, different strokes for different folks.

Bedbugs in hotels-is there a problem?

Is the bedbug problem under control in hotels?

Unfortunately no, bedbugs are seeing a resurgence almost everywhere. The problem is the lack of reporting. A fancy hotel is unlikely to ever comment that they have a bed bug problem, otherwise they lose business. But in reality, the problem is huge. Unlike most insects and household vermin, bedbugs are a lot more difficult to get rid off. These creatures are hardy and can survive in almost any environment. Besides the home, you are also likely to find bedbugs in hotels, hospitals, movie theaters, and anywhere where humans socialize.

Hotels and bedbugs

Is it possible to know if a hotel has bedbugs?

No, you can check the bed, the carpet, crevices and mattress, but bedbugs are not easily seen. They usually hide in places where you may never think of looking. You are more likely to find them along the cracks and crevices and along the headboard. But the way hotel beds are built, it is impossible to dismantle them and check for bedbugs. You have two choices if you are worried about bedbugs- do not go to the hotel or sleep outside in the park or the bench.

Insecticide to kill bedbugs

Do insecticide sprays work against bed bugs?

More than likely the insecticide spray will make you sick. Today, bedbugs are resistant to almost every known insecticide. So if you go on spraying these toxic chemicals in your home, it is you and your family who is going to need treatment in hospital. Insect experts claim that we have run out of solutions on to kill these creatures. The role of chemicals and insecticides is no longer practical or effective. The only way to prevent bedbugs is being aware how these critters can enter your home. Once inside your home, they are like herpes- they stay forever.

Artichoke to lower cholesterol

Recently my alternative healthcare practitioner suggested I take artichoke to lower my blood cholesterol. Does it work?

Many people eat artichoke leaf extracts for the treatment of elevated lipids. However, there are no good studies to show that it does anything. The few limited studies are not impressive and the lowering of cholesterol is mild at best. If you have high cholesterol, I suggest you stop relying on artichoke leaves. I highly recommend exercise and if that fails you may need to take the statin medications. In the meantime, stop smoking and decrease ingestion of fatty foods. Stop relying on a single plant or herb to maintain good health.

Green tea to lower blood pressure?

I have heard that drinking red tea (Roselle) may help lower blood pressure. Is this true?

No, you heard wrong. Millions of people seem to think that drinking tea is good for health. So far, there is no evidence that tea is anything more than a social beverage. Over the past 3 decades, hundreds of types of tea have been developed with hyped up health benefits. The manufacturers of tea products are simply scamming people with false claims about its health benefits. Orientals have been drinking tea for centuries and their health does not appear to be any better than Westerners. There is no harm in drinking tea but if you expect your blood pressure to drop, you are sadly mistaken. Marketing tea for health benefits is now a major scam. Every type of tea is being hyped up to cure everything under the SUN. Unfortunately, there are many gullible and stupid people who believe such crap and fall for unproven therapies.

Bitter orange and weight loss

Can one lose weight with Bitter orange?

Many people are buying bitter orange in bulk in the hope that it can help with weight loss. Bitter orange (citrus aurantium) has been in the news ever since ephedra was taken off the market for health concerns.

People who take bitter orange claim that is it a great alternative to ephedra and works well for weight loss; however, there is no clear evidence that it does in fact reduce weight.

Recent studies indicate that while bitter orange may work in a few individuals, it is also associated with similar side effects like ephedra. Extracts of the bitter orange plant have revealed two potent chemicals called synephrine and octopamine. Both these compounds are very similar in their activity to ephedrine in ephedra.

Experts claim that excess ingestion of these substances can increase blood pressure, alter heart rate and rhythm and can even induce heart attacks, strokes and even sudden death.

More over bitter orange can also interfere with many pharmaceutical drugs leading to adverse side effects.

The problem with bitter orange is that it is listed as a health food supplement and does not undergo the rigorous testing that is required of pharmaceutical drugs. Further, many potent and toxic substances found in the product are not even listed on the label. For this reason, many people who take bitter orange are prone to developing side effects and dangerous complications. Individuals who have heart disease, high blood pressure or problems with their heart rate should avoid bitter orange. While some individuals may lose weight with bitter orange this is not a universal finding. The best and surest way to lose weight is to eat less and walk more. This may not sound too appealing but it definitely works and is a lot cheaper than any health supplement.

Butt lift or butt implant?

Is the butt lift procedure the same as butt implant surgery?

No, the butt lift procedure is like a breast lift. The surgeon lifts and tightens up the skin around your buttocks. The excess skin is removed and the deeper tissues are adjusted so your buttocks look tight, sexy, and curvaceous. In addition, the surgeon will ensure that the bottoms match the upper body in size and shape. With a buttock implant, various prosthetic materials are inserted into the butocks to make then bigger, like in breast augmentation.

Another option to Butt lift surgery

Is there any alternative to butt lift surgery?

Sure, there is a great alternative. For most people, the butt is the last thing one looks at every morning. The majority of people want their face, hair, and waist to look great. If you have the money, then you may undergo this surgery. But if you do not have money and your butt is bothering you too much, then perhaps you should take some Prozac. This is cheaper and safer than a butt lift procedure.

Cost of Butt lift surgery

What is cost of butt lift procedure?

It depends on where you live and who does it. However, rest assured, it is not cheap. The average cost of butt lift surgery is about $ 8,000. Of course, some high-end surgeons charge $15,000 or more. Surgery is usually more expensive on the East and West coast, and slightly cheaper if you live in central or southern part of the country. Do not forget, plastic surgeons are like the airline industry. They tend to jack up the prices for blood work; anesthesia, consultation, hospital fees, and medications- so do ask and get in writing what is the final cost. Butt lift surgery is a lot cheaper in south and central america, but if there is a screw up, you are in big shit (PS-screw ups in plastic surgery are very common-just read the news)

Liposuction on buttocks

Can liposuction be performed on the buttocks?

If you pay a plastic surgeon money, he/she will perform liposuction anywhere on your body. Sure, liposuction can be used to remove small pockets of fat and reshape the buttocks. However, this is not a permanent treatment and the fat pockets will come back. Liposuction on the buttocks is done just underneath the skin because there are large nerves running deep down. Injury to the sciatic nerve can be a painful problem for life.

Butt lift surgery and weight loss

Can a buttock lift procedure help me lose weight?

No this surgery will do no such thing. If you are overweight, then I suggest you lose weight before the butt lift procedure. If not, the surgery will not make any difference to the shape and contour of your buttocks. In fact after surgery, if you gain any weight, you will be back to square one.

Butt lift surgery in an asian

I am an Asian female and would like to undergo a butt lift. What do you recommend?

In general, Asians and Africans tend to form keloids, which look ugly and hideous. If you are prone to scar formation, I suggest you not undergo this surgery or any other cosmetic procedure. If you think your buttocks are bad now, they will look a million times worse with the keloids.

If you have experienced healing problems with any past surgical treatments or if you are prone to keloid (red, angry, raised) scars, your surgeon may not recommend a buttock lift or may advise you that scars could be raised and very visible. Do not listen to any BS from a surgeon who says he/she can treat keloids-there is no suitable for keloids and they will make you look terrible.

Butt Lift Surgery

How are the results after butt lift surgery?

The procedure is relatively new and outcomes do vary. While some people have had good results, there are plenty who have had abysmal results. For those who are not satisfied with their butt and want something done, I would suggest try something like exercise and losing weight. Surgery is not the panacea for everything. More often than not, you will be disappointed with surgery. Plastic surgeons often make big promises but more often then not, fail to deliver- like car mechanics.

Vasectomy reversal

I had a vasectomy many years ago and would like it reversed. Does the procedure work?

First, all men who decide to undergo a vasectomy should think about it for a long time. The procedure is almost impossible to reverse. Surgeons always mention statistics about their success rates of reversal, but most are full of shit. Vasectomy reversal is successful in less than 5% of men, and even when success occurs, it is pure luck more than any technical skill. Moreover, not all surgeons can do this type of surgery. 

Finally, vasectomy reversal is also very expensive and there is no guarantee it will work. So if you do not have the money, I would not recommend wasting it on a dubious procedure with very little success rate. If you have the money, go on a vacation with your spouse or pay off your home.

Body fat analyzers

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Do body fat analyzers work?

In simple- they are useless piece of junk. My best advice is stop wasting your money on measurement of body fat with these portable devices. The doctors are in this business to make money of gullible and stupid people. The information derived from these machine is useless and only of academic interest. The devices also cost a lot of money. In medicine, we have doctors performing many unnecessary tests and this is one of them. Save your money from this BS medical test- there is ZERO need for fat analysis. If you are fat or obese and cannot look at your self in the mirror and determine if you are fat, you need to see a psychiatrist and/or an ophthalmologist.

Sex and oral herpes sores

If I have a herpes sore on my lips, is there anything I can take to prevent it from transferring to my girlfriend?

No, there is nothing you take but you sure can abstain from sex for a few days. When you have an active herpetic lesion, the chances of transmission are very high. Your girlfriend will not be happy if you give her this “great” present. There are anti-herpes medications but they do not prevent transmission of the virus.

Herpes sore and sex

Can a herpes sore on the lips spread during sex?

You bet your life, it can spread. The Herpes virus loves sex organs just as much as people do. So if you have a herpes lesion on your lips, it can spread to her mouth, or it can even spread to her vagina. It used to be believed that only genital herpes spreads during sex. This is no longer true. Now, it is known that the cold sore virus causes almost half of the lesions on the vagina and penis. Therefore, if you have a cold sore on your mouth, I suggest you do not kiss or offer oral sex.

Oral herpes and birth control pill

I have had oral herpes for many years but recently my outbreaks have increased in frequency. I was recently started on the birth control pill. Can that have anything to do with it?

Maybe. Herpes lesions are a real pain in the A..e. The pain is excruciating and nothing seems to work. In your case, if nothing in your life has changed and now the outbreaks of herpes are increased- I would think that the pill might have something to do with it. It is well known that changes in the sex hormones-estrogen and progesterone can affect herpes reactivation.

Best advice- if you do not need the pill, stop it, and use another form of contraception. If you really need the pill, then you are stuck. I think you may need to go through several types of pills to determine which does not trigger the herpes virus. Good luck.

Genital herpes and GF

My boyfriend had genital herpes but never told me. Now I have some painful lesions on my vagina. Do you think I got them from him?

Most definitely. He should have told you because now you have a lifelong infection. Genital herpes is very painful and makes life miserable. I definitely recommend that you both go to an STD clinic and get treated. Just one person getting treated is not good enough as the infection will keep on being transmitted. Genital herpes takes the fun out of sex. The only question for you is to find out how he got it and when. Then you can decide to stay with him or dump him. I can even tell you that there are also legal ramifications about partner notification when one has an STD.

Oral herpes and sex

I have oral herpes but it is not active any more. Can I transfer it to my partner?

We do know that when you have symptoms, the virus is active. In such cases, the chances of transmission are very high. When you have no lesions and no symptoms, chances of transmission are very low. However, I should warn you that many people with herpes have no symptoms and can still transmit the infection to their partners. You can wear a plastic bag over your face and a condom; this is still not foolproof against transmission of the herpes virus. Best advice- tell your partner about the herpes and let him/her decide if they want to participate in sex with you. Abstain from sex when you have symptoms.

One night stand and STD

Recently I had a one-night stand at a party with an unknown female. Within 8 hours, I noticed that my penis was red and painful. Do I have an STD?

Most unlikely. STDs do not develop within 12 hours of sexual intercourse. If you used a condom, it may be an allergic reaction. I have no idea but I can assure that the chance of any type of STD is very rare in such a short time interval. Wait for a few days and see what happens. My feeling is that you are just a ted bit too paranoid.

Transmitting oral thrush during sex

Can oral thrush be transmitted to my partner during sex?

When you have active thrush with the whitish lesions in your mouth, it means you have an active infection. In healthy people, it is unlikely that you can transmit oral thrush by kissing or during sex. If you have oral thrush, you should first find out why you have this infection instead of worrying about sex. It is not common for healthy people to have oral thrush. Vaginal thrush is quite common in healthy females. Vaginal  thrush is not a sexually transmitted disorder and unlikely to be passed to the partner.

Vasectomy and libido

Can a vasectomy affect my sex drive?

No, very unlikely. Millions of men have had vasectomy and loss of sex drive is not a reported complication. If you have had a vasectomy and have loss of libido, the problem could be psychogenic. I suggest you see your doctor and ensure that your testosterone levels are normal. If they are normal, the next step is to see a sex therapist to determine what is causing the problem.  Sex therapists have been around for decades but many have now established practices- these professionals will listen to your BS (because you pay them hundreds of dollars) and offer more BS advice. I personally feel that sex therapists are nothing more than con-artists. Some appear on TV on a regular basis and offer crap advice which costs hundreds of dollars. Unless your doctor mucked around with your testes, vasectomy has not been linked to low sex drive.

No interest in Sex

I am a 27 year old male and have no interest in sex. Is this normal?

Sure, there are some men, a minority, who live a good quality of life and yet have no desire for sex. Completely normal. I would not give it a second thought if it did not bother you.  You do not need counseling, you do not need medications and you certainly do not need to speak to a sex therapist. Just continue on with your life. If you are content, then it is not a big deal. The same applies to women. The exact statistics about low libido is not known, because people do not go on bragging about low sex drive.