I'm running out of time for baby

May 25 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

Q I AM in my mid 30s and my husband and I have been trying for a baby for three years. I had an ectopic pregnancy five years ago and had a tube removed. Could this stop me getting pregnant?

A HAVING a Fallopian tube removed reduces your fertility slightly but in your case three years is a very long time. This would be classed as subfertility by a gynaecologist and would need investigation.

There are drugs which can increase your ability to ovulate and so conceive. Ask your doctor for a referral to a fertility specialist.

Q SINCE my period started last month, it hasn't stopped. I am 47 and wonder if this is normal for a woman of my age who is approaching the menopause?

A YOU should visit your doctor. Sometimes a woman's periods will become erratic as they approach the menopause but there are a number of other reasons for bleeding, including erosions on the cervix, infections or fibroids.

Your GP will do a quick exam and check your hormone levels to get to the bottom of the problem.

Q I BITE my nails so badly my fingers bleed. Please help me stop.

A NAIL biting - medical name onychophagia - is a difficult habit to break.

Take a photo of your hands and look at them objectively. Pick one or two nails to protect and, if you must bite the others, you will soon see the difference. Push back your cuticles in the shower as this makes them look better.

Tell your partner and colleagues you are stopping as their encouragement will help. You could also put tape or plasters over your nails.

If this still doesn't work, you can try hypnotherapy.

Q I HAVE inflammation in the bones of my feet. The doctor has given me painkillers but it is still sore, especially in the mornings. Is there anything else I can do?

A INFLAMMATION in the bone can either be caused by a build-up of crystals that occurs inconditions such as gout or an infection in the bone, called osteomyelitis.

The blood supply to bones is less than to other tissues so painkillers take longer to get there and do their job.

Wear comfortable shoes and the old cure of steeping your feet may relieve the pain but I am afraid it is a waiting game.

Q I AM in my 70s and suffer from chronic constipation. I am going on holiday to America and am scared about the change in diet. What can I do to help?

A THE important thing is to stimulate the bowel as naturally as you can.

Some laxatives make it worse so it is best to avoid them. Sprinkle raw bran over food or add it to gravy to help the bowel move.

If you need a laxative, take senna or lactulose which soften the stool instead of stimulating the bowel.