The Sunday News
Hi Sis Noe
Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Reply
TO get straight to the heart of your question, the answer is yes; it is possible to get pregnant within a few months after having a baby — even if you are still lactating. You may have heard about something called lactational amenorrhea, or the breastfeeding method, which is a birth control method frequently used by new mothers.
It works because breastfeeding causes a woman to stop ovulating and in turn, stop menstruating for about six months after giving birth. However, this contraception strategy only prevents pregnancy when under specific circumstances. This means that some new moms might still be at risk of pregnancy depending on their particular breastfeeding situation.
Hi Sis Noe
I want to know how to behave and what to say after I have had sex. Help, I am worried. — Worried.
Reply
There is no formula or set rules whatsoever. Just as there is no right way to have sex, there is no right thing to do after sex.
People do all different sorts of things after sex. Sometimes they just lie there. Sometimes they talk about the experience or how they each feel. People go to sleep, or get out of bed to go to the bathroom, or get ready for work, or turn on the TV, or do numerous other things. Before deciding what to do, it might be a good idea to check in with your partner. You might be thinking of falling asleep but your partner wants to cuddle. There are no dos and don’ts, only possibilities . . . have fun exploring.
Hi Sis Noe
The guy we share an office with is a hard worker and a good person but the problem we have with him is that he smells. The smell is so bad I can’t take it anymore. How do I tell him without hurting his feelings? — Worried.
Reply
It’s not easy to approach someone about his or her body emissions, but the theme of your question could provide both of you with face-saving solutions. Why not talk with the offender when no one else is around? Tell him that he is good at his job and that you see even better days ahead for him. Casually add to this praise that he might lob on a little more deodorant in the morning because all of his hard work sometimes leaves its mark in the form of body odour.
Leave out the qualifiers: “It’s really hard to say this . . .” and “It’s not my intent to insult you, but . . .” Instead, you might admit that everyone (you included) smells, has bad breath, farts, etc from time to time, and that you wish you would all be more honest with each other in the name of looking out for one another’s personal and work success. If you go into this talk with your genuine admiration and true desire to help all involved in mind, your caring will surely come through loud and clear.
With carefully chosen words, it’s hard to imagine your prized workmate getting angry.
Hi Sis Noe
My girlfriend screamed out her ex-boyfriend’s name when we were having sex. I am now insecure and I think she is not over her ex. I did not ask her about it but it’s hurting me. — Help.
Reply
Do you think your girlfriend may need more time to get over her last partner? She is the only one who can answer that question, but you should feel free to discuss your concern with her.You wonder if you are getting yourself into a position where you might get hurt. While this is a possibility in any relationship, you may ask yourself if you are willing to take the risk for this person. You are considering ignoring the whole thing. Unfortunately, ignoring the issue won’t reassure you of anything.
Talking about your feelings and listening to your partner’s can help you sort out the possible misunderstanding. You can be honest with your girlfriend and can ask the same of her. These discussions can be challenging, especially since they deal with sensitive issues of jealousy and insecurity. A state-of-the-relationship discussion might be a good option. Either it will ease your anxieties and reaffirm your girlfriend’s commitment and interest in you, or it will allow you to make a clean break.
Whatever the reasons for calling out the wrong name, and she may not even know why it happened, she can tell you about her feelings for you, which could be all you are looking for.
Hi Sis Noe
I love oral sex but I have realised that every time I swallow my husband’s semen I develop a running tummy. Is this normal? — Worried.
Reply
The prevalence of stomach-related issues caused by contact with semen is not fully understood, partially because people may not openly discuss concerns related to oral sex. There are a few potential causes and strategies for figuring out which one might apply, as well as some potential solutions.
One possible cause could be an allergic reaction to a protein found in seminal fluid. This allergy is known as seminal plasma protein allergy (SPPA). Allergic reactions can diminish or worsen over time with more exposure and can indeed include nausea or diarrhoea. Inflammation or irritation of other body parts exposed to semen can also occur. If the cause is found to be an allergic reaction, histamine blockers may be one of the treatment options your health care provider can prescribe. Another possible cause could be related to anxiety or other emotional issues that sometimes come up for people during sex. In other words, certain sexual situations can be triggers.
It could also be that the timing of your stomach being upset is a coincidence. Are there any other factors that might be coming into play here — new stressors, foods you are trying, or other changes in your diet? Do you experience episodes of diarrhoea outside of the times you swallow? No matter what the cause might be, investigating this issue further with your doctor may be a good idea.
Hi Sis Noe
Every time I have rough sex with my boyfriend I bleed. Is something wrong with me? — Worried.
Reply
Yes, something is wrong; please see a doctor to figure out where you are bleeding from, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it. Once the source of the bleeding is identified, you and your health care provider can discuss treatment, and even prevention. If you ever feel discomfort or pain during sex, you have the right to stop your partner.
It may be easier to talk when you are not having sex. If your partner respects you, he will want to know. If he doesn’t care, you have a right to put on your clothes and say goodbye.
