Dear Doc

Dear Doc:
Is there a counseling service on campus for anxiety and panic attacks? If so how can the service be reached?

Anxious

Dear Anxious,

Yes! The service is called "Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)". CAPS main reception room is 221 Ritenour Bldg. Their number is: 863-0395.

"Doc"

I think I may have some kind of urinary tract infection. It came on very suddenly. When I go to the bathroom, there is a burning sensation when my bladder has almost emptied.

Amy

Dear Amy:

Urinary tract infections(UTIs) are very common in women. They are usually caused by bacteria which travel from the colon to the urethra and bladder.

Although they are not considered a sexually transmitted disease (std), they can be precipitated by sexual activity and symptoms can be confused with std's.

Cystitis is the most common form of UTI. Symptoms may include: feeling the need to urinate every few minutes and with burning sensation when you do, minimal urine flow when you go, blood in the urine, pain just above your pubic bone, a peculiar odor to your first urine in the morning.

To prevent UTIs or treat mild infections, try the following: drink lots of fluids, urinate frequently and try to empty your bladder completely each time.

Wipe yourself from front to back after urinating and moving your bowels, trying to keep the bacteria in your bowels away from our urethra.

Cut down on caffeine, sweets and alcohol. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Eat well, get enough rest and try to keep your stress levels down, if possible. Always empty your bladder soon after sexual activity.

If a UTI doesn't respond to self-help treatment within 24 hours, recurs frequently, or symptoms of kidney infection occur, see a health care provider.

"Doc"

Dear Doc:

Please explain the phenomena of "Blueballs". My testicles start aching during long periods of sexual foreplay. I know some people say its just an excuse to talk a girl into sex, but I disagree. Recently my girlfriend and I were horsing around for a long time on the sofa (no sex) and afterwards I could barely walk.

achy-breaky balls

Dear achy-breaky balls, blueballs is a fact of life for men. It results from more blood flowing into the genitals (during sexual arousal) than flowing out. When it remains in the genitals (penis and testicles) for an extended period of time, it can cause discomfort and achiness. Orgasm will alleviate blueballs.

However, if there is no orgasm, the erection, blood flow, and achiness gradually subside. One should NEVER try to "talk a girl into sex".

"Doc"

Dear Doc:

For as long as I can remember, I've had under eye circles. I also have allergies. It seems to get better for a while and then all of a sudden gets worse. What can I do about it? Covering them with makeup only helps a little.

Raccoon Eyes

Dear Raccoon Eyes:

Your allergies are probably why the skin under your eyes becomes considerably darker every now and then. Make sure your health care provider regularly reviews your medications to ensure they are effectively managing your allergies. S/he may also be able to provide some advice on how to minimize the appearance of undereye circles.

Other causes might include: genetics, the nature of the skin beneath the eyes, water intake, and/or age. pronounced undereye circles are often passed down, genetically, within families. Another likely culprit is the skin directly under the eyes, which is practically the thinnest skin on your body. It is very sensitive, as well as prone to this sort of "discoloration." Rubbing your eyes excessively can make the dark circles worse.

Dehydration can also make the circles more obvious. If you normally don't drink much water, try adding a few more glasses to your daily liquid intake.

"Doc"