Q What is undifferentiated schizophrenia?

Undifferentiated-type schizophrenia is characterized by some symptoms seen in other types but not enough of any one of them to define it as a particular type of schizophrenia. It can be described as a mixed clinical syndrome.

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.

Q Does chewing tobacco affect arteries the same way smoking does?

Yes. The tobacco contains nicotine. And it is going to be in the blood whether you smoke or chew it. The effects of nicotine are same in both situation.

Q Is it safe to wear contact lenses continuously?

It depends upon what material your contact lens is made up of. If you have silicone hydro gel lens than you can wear them continuously. However if it is the conventional lens than it is advisable that you dont wear them for long time and remove them before going to bed.rnrn 

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 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 How can I tell when Im ovulating?

Ovulation usually occurs 12-15 days before your period starts. So if your periods are regular, you can easily determine your ovulation period by subtracting 14 days from the expected date of the next menstrual cycle. One in 5 women experience mild abdominal cramps when they are ovulating. You can also use a basal body thermometer to check your basal body temperature which shows the lowest reading followed by a sudden rise when you ovulate. During ovulation, your cervix becomes softer and gives out more discharge (mucus) than normal. You can also buy ovulation kit available in chemist to determine your ovulation.

Q Though it takes lots of courage to commit suicide why suicidal people are called coward?

Committing suicide is considered wrong and unjustifiable. Suicide gives up all your future, everything you could have done, because you cant put up with the past or the present. People usually commit suicide when they lack the courage to go on. Its like giving up on the hope that things will ever get better. Under the influence of emotional despair, a suicidal person kills himself in total disregard for those who care for him, those who would have helped him. However at the same time, it is not right to call suicidal people cowards. In fact, they need maximum help and support from those around them. One should lend them a helping hand until they start feeling better about themselves and the situations in their life. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is important for suicidal people to remember, "this too, shall pass."

Q What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that dont exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like theyre being constantly watched. With such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it difficult even frightening to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response, people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

Q My hair is very curly. I want to straighten it. What should I do?

Temporary straightening can be obtain by using straightening irons. However if you wish to permanently straighten your hair then you need to consult a hair stylist. Even though it may make your hair look great, straightening brings with it a host of other problems such as breakage, thinning, dryness, split ends etc. Make a final decision after considering all the pros and cons.