Q My WBC count is increased up to 16000, 5 days back. I had some antibiotics prescribed by doctor. Today I checked still the count is same or increased. Why is this? Is it a symptom of cancer?

The normal count of WBC is 4000-11000. Raised WBC count is not the only sign of cancer. There are other causes as well, of which infection is the most commonest cause. You should finish the course of antibiotic given by your doctor an then check the count. If it is still raised than it is necessary that you consult your doctor again.

Q Where can I get help to stop smoking?

It is appreciated that you want to quit smoking. The best person to help you to quit any bad habit is YOURSELF. The inner voice is very important to do something which you think impossible. Nothing is impossible when YOU have decided to do it, rather someone else keeps you poking. If you think you need help, you can consult with your physician, friend, family member or any one to whom you believe the most. Dont quit suddenly because it may lead to some adverse effects; keep gradual decrease in the frequency and the number of smoke.

Q I have been suffering from hyper-acidity as a result of antibiotics. Please advice.

Hyper-acidity is a common side effect of most antibiotics. Most physicians will prescribe an antacid or a H2 blocker along with antibiotics to circumvent this side-effect. If your physician hasnt done so, please visit him and ask him to prescribe the same. If you are on long term antibiotics, a multivitamin will help. As a home measure, include plenty of cold milk and yogurt in your diet to counteract hyper-acidity.

Q Can people get infections from animals?

Yes. Diseases passed from animals to man are called zoonoses or zoonotic illnesses. The animals can pass some bacterial, viral and fungal infection either by direct contact or by the contamination of the food and water. They may also lead to allergic reaction in some cases. Infections from animals can be particularly dangerous to babies and young kids, pregnant women, elderly people, and people whose immune systems have been weakened by illness or disease

Q What is spermicide?

Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that destroys sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9. This used in the form of jelly.

Q Diagnosis of high cholesterol

The diagnosis of high cholesterol levels is based on a simple blood test. Usually a complete Lipid profile is advised to test the levels of different components of cholesterol and triglycerides. Total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL ( 2.6 mmol/L) are considered optimal. An acceptable HDL range is between 40- 60 mg/dL (1.04-1.56 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels should be maintained less than 150 mg/dl. High levels of HDL have a protective effect against heart disease whereas high levels of LDL and triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q how to do anal sex? does it creat any problem?

Anal sex is practiced by many heterosexuals, as well as homosexual couples. The anal area has many erotic nerve endings in both men and women. Because of this, many couples (heterosexual or homosexual) can derive pleasure from some form of bottom stimulation. Anal sex should be avoided by couples in which one of the partners has been diagnosed with an STI until the treatment has proven to be effective. In order to make anal sex safer, the couple must ensure that the anal area is clean and the bowel empty and the partner on whom anal penetration occurs should be able to relax. Regardless of whether anal penetration occurs by using a finger or the penis, the condom is the best barrier method to prevent transmission of STI. Since the rectum can be easily damaged, the use of lubricants is highly recommended even when penetration occurs by using the finger. Especially for beginners, using a condom on the finger is both a protection measure against STI and a lubricant source. Most condoms are lubricated and they allow less painful and easier penetration. Anal stimulation with a sex toy requires similar safety measures to anal penetration with a penis, in this case using a condom on the sex toy in a similar way. It is important that the man washes and cleans his penis after anal intercourse if he intends to penetrate the vagina. Bacteria from the rectum are easily transferred to the vagina, which may cause vaginal infections. When anal-oral cos ntact occurs, protection is required since this is a risky sexual behavior in which illnesses as Hepatitis A or STIs can be easily transmitted, as well as enteric infections. The dental dam or the plastic wrap[citation needed] are effective protection means whenever anilingus is performed. Anal sex has a number of health risks. Anal intercourse is the riskiest form of sexual activity for several reasons, including the following: The anus lacks the natural lubrication the vagina has. Penetration can tear the tissue inside the anus, allowing bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream. This can result in the spread of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also lead to the development of anal warts and anal cancer. Using lubricants can help some, but doesnt completely prevent tearing. The tissue inside the anus is not as well protected as the skin outside theanus. Our external tissue has layers of dead cells that serve as a protective barrier against infection. The tissue inside the anus does not have this natural protection, which leaves it vulnerable to tearing and the spread of infection. The anus was designed to hold in feces. Repetitive anal sex may lead to weakening of the anal sphincter, making it difficult to hold in feces until you can get to the toilet. The anus is full of bacteria. Even if both partners do not have a sexually-transmitted infection or disease, bacteria normally in the anus can potentially infect the giving partner. Practicing vaginal sex after anal sex can also lead to vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Q What types of tests are used to evaluate patients with pelvic and abdominal pain?

To find out the cause of pelvic and abdominal pain your doctor will do physical examination to determine the location of the pain. Based upon that your doctor may order investigation. Investigations will include blood tests and imaging studies like x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound study. In female a pap smear may be ordered.rnrn 

Q I feel my testicle bag contracting, no pain, but it will not stop contracting day or night. I have seen many doctors and underwent an operation but helpless cau you please suggest some thing?

In order to produce sperms optimally, testicles need to maintain a lower temperature compared to the rest of the body. Hence, in cold climates, it is normal to testicles to shrink and move closer to the body in order to maintain an optimum temperature. However in hot climates, the testicles usually hang lower to cool off. This contraction and relaxation takes place due to the cremaster muscle and dartos fascia. Changes in the intraabdominal pressure, contraction of the abdominal muscles and most commonly, spasm of the cremaster muscle can cause contraction of the testicles. Try to keep a warm atmosphere at your home and office. Prefer boxers to briefs. See a surgeon to find out the exact cause and treat accordingly.

Q I am allergic to condom what is an alternative ?

If you are allergic to latex condom you can use polyurethane condom. Other options that you can consider is use of spermicidal gel and withdrawal method. For some the spermicidal gel that are used with condom can cause allergic reaction, hence it necessary to rule out that. If you married than you can ask your wife to start oral contraceptive pills.rnrn