Q When is herpes contagious? I have not had an outbreak of genital herpes in years but i do take valtrex if i feel an outbreak may be coming on. If i take valtrex as needed and i do not have an outbreak, am i still contagious?

Genital herpes is the most contagious when the lesions are active and a few days before that. However, an infected person can potentially be shedding the virus all his life. Since, the virus is spread by direct skin to skin contact, it is very easy to spread it through intercourse or oral sex. Thus, protect your partner by always using a condom.

Q How do I grow height? Im 14 from Canada and my height is 4 10"

Growth of height is determined by following factors : your genetic background , your overall nutrition level, tendency to fall repeatedly ill, etc. In males maximum height can be achieved by the age of 18-20 and in females up-to the age of 15-16. So you have a good scope of improving your height. Take care of following things to boost your height : Increase dietary intake of proteins like groundnut, soya beans, milk and milk products, eggs, chicken and fish ( if you are non vegetarian ). Have calcium rich foods like milk, spinach, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables. Do some kind of physical activity. Cycling and swimming are best to increase height. Take enough rest, Stay well hydrated.

Q What are the common sources of irritant contact dermatitis?

Irritant contact dermatitis is common type of contact dermatitis. It occurs when your skin is damaged by an irritant. Common sources are: chemical solvents like alcohol, turpentine, neat oils, cosmetics or skin products, deodorants, harsh soaps, detergents, cement.

Q What can you tell me about Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a Mental Health disorder that generates significant emotional instability. This can lead to a variety of other stressful mental and behavioral problems. When you have borderline personality disorder, you often have an insecure sense of who you are. Your self-image, self-identity or sense of self often rapidly changes. You may view yourself as evil or bad, and sometimes you may feel as if you dont exist at all. An unstable self-image often leads to frequent changes in jobs, friendships, goals and values. This is because people with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty accepting gray areas; things seem to be either black or white. The common symptom of borderline personality disorder are overwhelming feelings of distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger, difficulty managing such feelings without self-harming, for example by abusing drugs and alcohol or taking overdoses, difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships, sometimes, periods of loss of contact with reality, in some cases, threats of harm to others. Treatment may involve a range of individual and group psychological therapies (psychotherapy) carried out by trained professionals.

Q If unwanted-72 is taken 12 days before the expected menses, will menses be regular and on time and it is taken within 72 hours of sex?

In some females the pill can cause menses to be delayed or early or it can even come on time. Some people might even get spotting which may even continue till next normal period.

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 Do I need a tetanus jab (vaccine) after an accident or injury?

Yes. It is necessary to get an injection of TT after an accident or injury. Because the bacteria of tetanus are present in the soil which can infect you if not vaccinated.

Q What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(adhd)?

ADHD is a common neurobehavioral disorders diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. The primary cause behind ADHD is heredity. Symptoms include lack of attention, easy distraction, boredom, careless mistakes, daydreaming, non completion of tasks, forgetfullness, constant fidgeting, talking excessively, difficulty waiting for anything and physical restlesslessness- always moving about from 1 activity to another. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. It is usually treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

Q How often should I have an eye test?

Adults and children are normally advised to have a sight test every two years. However, in some circumstances, your ophthalmic practitioner may recommend more frequent sight tests. Such conditions include- n1) If you are wearing glassesn2) If you have diabetesn3) If are aged 40 or over and have a family history of glaucoman4) If you are aged 70 or over

Q I leak urine when I sneeze, cough, lift heavy objects, exercise. Can this be helped or cured?

What you describe is called as stress incontinence in medical terms. It can be either due to weakness in pelvic muscle or due to disorder related with nerves. Exact cause needs to be find out in order to plan the treatment. Initially you can make following changes: cut down your fluid intake, if you are on the overweight side, try and lose some weight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine rich drinks. Practice kegel exercise to tone your pelvic muscles. If all these dont help than consult a gynecologist for the medication. Surgery will be required if everything else fails.