YOUR HEALTH
No simple answer for infertility
DR. DONOHUE

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am trying to get pregnant and have been trying for a year and eight months. My doctor told me to lose weight and drink plenty of water. Could it be my husband's problem? How is that checked? -- Anon.

ANSWER: Infertility is defined as a full year of trying to become pregnant without any success. Infertility involves many factors: hormones, egg production and egg release, normal fallopian tubes (the tubes through which an egg migrates to the uterus) and a normal uterus. Men are solely responsible for 20 percent of infertility, and they contribute to it 30 percent to 40 percent of the time. A basic test for the determination of male fertility is a sperm count, something the doctor can arrange for your husband.

In considering female problems, the doctor has to evaluate a woman's menstrual history, her hormone status and her monthly release of an egg. The woman's uterus and fallopian tubes have to be examined to determine if there is some anatomy problem that makes conception difficult. Blocked fallopian tubes, for example, prevent pregnancy.

A common cause of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome. Women with this syndrome make too much male hormone, have large ovaries studded with cysts and are often overweight. Sometimes simple weight loss can correct many of the problems that arise from this syndrome, including difficulty in becoming pregnant. Perhaps that's what the doctor meant by weight loss. I don't know how drinking water corrects anything.

My message to you is that finding the answer to infertility requires much testing and includes the husband in the testing process. There's no simple solution to this difficult situation.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have always found underarm deodorants unpleasant to use. One day while applying an alcoholbased hand sanitizer, it occurred to me to try it as a deodorant. I used it in the evening after a shower and again in the morning. It is very effective and doesn't leave any kind of unpleasant residue. My question is, Could I be absorbing something harmful? It is so effective I am thinking of wiping my feet with it before putting on my running shoes, which definitely get smelly. -- J.K.

ANSWER: Sweat doesn't give rise to body odor. Bacteria that live in and thrive on sweat do that. Alcohol is a good antibacterial. If it doesn't irritate your skin, there's no reason not to use it as a deodorant. You're not absorbing anything dangerous.

You can use it on your feet.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor doesn't know what is wrong with me. Who do I see now? -- E.S.

ANSWER: Another doctor.

You can call your county medical society for a referral, or you can get in touch with a medical school in your area and make arrangements to be seen. Do you have any close friends who can recommend a doctor to you? Ask around.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved