Q Sir, I am tested HIV positive, for almost 3 years i was in a relationship with a boy, but now we broke up and hes getting married to someoneelse. He wants to be sure that hes not HIV positive.... I have asked him to do the CDcount, but is there any other test which can give accurate result... Pls advice.... Also is it possible that after being in relationship with an HIV person one can still result as Negative???

Sexual relationship between HIV positive and HIV negative partners is called as "mixed status" relationship. For mixed-status couples, the possibility of HIV infection is a constant reality. There is always a risk, but it can be minimized. Antiretroviral therapy can lower the viral load and may decrease chance of HIV positive partner transmitting it to the HIV negative partner, but does not prevent it. Safe sex practices and use of condom may lower the risk of transmission. Do not share syringes, water, drug preparation equipment with others. In your case, the boy needs to do HIV test ( it is diagnosed by presence of antibodies to the HIV virus in blood) and also visit a good HIV consultant to get investigated and counseled thoroughly. HIV testing is carried out on voluntary basis with appropriate pre-test and post-test counseling.

Q What Psychological Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?

The reasons which cause mental illness- Significant interpersonal loss and family instability, such as death of loved one, misfortune, poor relationship with family, domestic partner violence, separation, and divorce, emotional detachment have all been identified as risk factors. Financial stress, unemployment, and a drop in socioeconomic status can also be triggers for mental illness. This is also the case for a range of acute and chronic health problems, such as pain syndromes, or diagnoses of conditions like HIV or cancer. Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental conditions.

Q I have notice white substance attached to my tonsils, I am suffering from tonsillitis and fever, can you please explain what is this?

Exact diagnosis cannot be made without examining your throat. However probable cause for your complaint can be bacterial infection of the tonsils or tonsilolith also known as tonsil stones. I would recommend that you consult an ENT specialist, who after an examination can tell you the exact cause and start you with appropriate treatment.rnrn 

Q My left testicle divided into two parts this is a problem or not

Since how much time does the testicle appear like this? Is it by birth? Is there pain or swelling? Is there difficulty in urination too? Are there any other symptoms? It may be the swelling known as Orchitis. If the swelling is painful, it could be due to an infection. Injury may sometimes cause swelling giving such an appearance. Kindly consult a surgeon or a physician for proper diagnosis & treatment.

Q What is the true cause of trichotillomania aslo known as severe obsessive compulsive hair pulling?

The cause of trichotillomania is unclear. But like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania. While the underlying biology is not clearly understood at this time, we do know that people with trichotillomania generally have a neurologically based predisposition to pull their hair as a self-soothing mechanism. The pulling behavior serves as a coping mechanism for anxiety and other difficult emotions. It does not hurt and they are not trying to damage themselves. While the average age of onset is 11, trich can be found in children as young as one year old. Onset of trich can be triggered by simple sensory events, such as itchy eyelashes, or by stressful life events, and it can occur quite suddenly. For example, it may be a tingling feeling that can only be relieved by pulling. ny relief that comes with hair pulling usually only lasts for a moment. The urge almost always returns. Thats because when the mind becomes used to giving in to the powerful urges that go with compulsive behaviors, the behavior is reinforced, and then becomes a habit. The mind gets trapped in a cycle of expecting to have the urge satisfied. The longer this goes on, the harder it can become to resist the urge.

Q Is ensure a safe drink to have while on both chemo and radiation for metastasized stomach cancer? I have read articles stating that ensure is filled with sugar, which can actually be counterproductive in cancer patients

Ensure drink can be had as a supplement to regular meals but not as a replacement. It is best to stick to actual food in order to get energy and necessary nutrition. As long as you have a small quantity (1 serving a day), you shouldnt face any problems. However, there is a possibility of Ensure interacting with certain medications, so it is imminent to discuss this issue with your treating physician.

Q Do men suffer from menopause like women?

The phase of life similar to menopause is called as andropause in men. It is marked by lethargy, sadness, weariness, lack of drive, irritability, poor concentration and sometimes loss of sexual desire in middle-aged men. This leads to boredom, lack of fitness, heavy drinking and lack of self-esteem.n Though, male menopause is controversial, as there isn~t any calculable fall in the levels of male hormones in middle age like females have fall in sex hormones drastically, yet it is advised that men experiencing the symptoms should exercise regularly and eat healthy, nurture a hobby, and have a peaceful mind and renew interest in life.

Q I have diarrhea,headaches,nausea,upset stomach,and pain. since 4 days

The symptoms you are suffering from are indicating an gastrointestinal infection by the microorganisma like bacteria or parasites. You must take the light diet and take more water to control the dehadration cuased due to diarrhoea. It may be due to certain other pathologies like appendicitis, crohns disease, intussuseption etc. It is necessary to rule out the cause and treat the diarrhoea at the early stage because dehydration may lead to life threatning complications.

Q What are the kidneys?

Kidneys are bean shaped organ located at the back of abdominal cavity on either side of the spine. They receive their blood supply form the renal arteries and drain the blood into the renal veins. The urine form kidneys is excreted into the ureter on each side and is carried to the urinary bladder. The function of kidney is homoeostasis. It is achieved by elimination of waste products formed due to metabolism like urea, ammonia; maintenance of electrolyte balance, maintenance of acid-base balance, regulation of blood pressure, production of hormone like calcitrol, erythropoetin and enzyme renin, reabsorbtion of water, glucose and amino acids.

Q What are monounsaturated fats? Are they healthy?

Monounsaturated fats are the fats present in vegetable oils, nuts, fruits, legumes, and seeds. They are heart-healthy and help in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.