Dear Doc

Dear Doc:

My girlfriend has been on the pill for about four months and so far she's never missed a day. We had sex once without a condom during her period. Before my ejaculation I made sure to withdraw. Should I be worried?

Concerned

Dear Concerned:

If your girlfriend has been taking birth control pills daily at about the same time, then she is protected from pregnancy, even during her period. The pill's main mechanism for working is to change her hormones so ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, doesn't occur. This happens 14 days prior to her period.

For the record, withdrawal is NOT an effective form of contraception. There are sperm in the pre-ejaculate. Though the pill is very effective, no form of contraception is 100% effective. Because of this, it may be a good idea to discuss with your partner what you would do if pregnancy became an issue. Even with the Pill there is that 2-3% chance.

"Doc"

Dear Doc:

Do bananas have fat like avocados or olives? If so, what kind of fat does a banana have?

Banana lover

Dear Banana Lover,

If there were an ideal food contest, the banana would be in the running for the title. Bananas have a higher carbohydrate content than most other fruits (by weight) They also provide a good source of potassium, which is vital for controlling the body's fluid balance, and regulating one's heartbeat and blood pressure. One medium banana contains only 0.6 grams of fat. So enjoy!

"Doc"