Chat with Sis Noe: Can alcohol stop someone from getting pregnant?

Hi Sis Noe

I HAVE stayed away from sex for two years and I recently started having sex but I experienced vaginal bleeding. Is that normal? — Worried.

Rest assured that many have experienced vaginal bleeding associated with penetration or sex. Most vaginal bleeding is considered normal and typically doesn’t require medical treatment, especially if you are pre-menopausal and have normal results on routine Pap smears and pelvic exams.

What is more, not having had sex in over two years could have very well played a part in the bleeding. Have you had penetrative sex since the last time? If so, did you experience any bleeding? If not then relax. Nothing is wrong with you. The good news is that in many cases the bleeding will resolve on its own (depending on the cause).

However, bleeding is sometimes indicative of more serious conditions, especially for those who are post-menopausal. If you are concerned about vaginal bleeding, believe you have been exposed to an STI, or have other symptoms — an appointment with a health care provider or gynaecologist is a good next step. They will ask you for details about the bleeding, including questions about the colour and flow of blood. This and other information helps your provider determine or rule out other possible causes, get an appropriate diagnosis, and treatment for you.

Hi Sis Noe

My semen is thick and almost solid. It is not that liquid. Is something wrong with me? — Worried.

There is no need to stress. It is normal and probably is not a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection. Semen can vary in texture, odour, colour, and taste. Healthy semen typically has a cloudy white or grayish appearance and will have a chlorine-like smell. It tastes slightly sweet due to high fructose content, but the flavour of semen may be dictated by a variety of factors and thus it can vary. Like breath and perspiration, semen comes with a taste and smell of its own.

Therefore, while there is some suggestion that changes in diet can change the taste of semen, any modifications made may only have a limited effect. In terms of consistency, right after ejaculation, semen is more likely to have a jelly-like texture. After ejaculation, proteins contained in semen can cause it to become thick, sticky, and clumpy.

This consistency helps increase the chances for fertilisation, since the semen is less likely to quickly come out if it sticks high in the vagina. It’s quite normal for semen to form jelly-like globules and this doesn’t indicate any health or fertility problems.

Regarding any other changes you may notice, the amount of semen and the force at which it’s ejaculated tends to decrease with age. In the event that a change in semen is accompanied by pain, fever, sexual dysfunction, blood in the urine or unusual discharge from the penis, or if changes persist for longer than a week or two — it may be time to talk with a health care provider or urologist.

Hi Sis Noe

I don’t know what is wrong with me, I am always wet and my privates are always dripping. This happens even when I am not having sex or aroused. — Worried.

Vaginal discharge is very common; however, every woman experiences it differently. Vaginal discharge varies in quantity, colour, scent, and consistency. All of these factors vary not only from woman to woman, but also throughout every woman’s menstrual cycle. Although you may be alarmed by the amount of discharge you experience on a daily basis, most vaginal discharge is healthy and perfectly normal.

In fact, most discharge is simply the product of your vagina cleaning itself. There are many ways to handle vaginal discharge. For example, you can wear breathable cotton underwear, change your underwear throughout the day, or use panty liners or pads to absorb discharge and keep you comfortable and dry. Familiarise yourself with what your vaginal discharge looks, smells, and feels like so you will be aware of any significant changes over time.

At certain times of the month, discharge may be thin and watery, and at other times, it may become thicker and stickier.

These changes are normal. However, if your discharge takes on a foul odour or starts to cause discomfort, consider making an appointment with your doctor.

Hi Sis Noe

One of my breasts is painful and I am scared that it might be cancer. — Worried.

Pain in the breast is a common symptom, which is rarely due to cancer. The normal cyclical breast pain is related to hormone imbalances. Temporary increased estrogen production may result in breast pain, fullness and nodularity. The estrogen stimulates proliferation of the ductal system and supporting tissues in the breasts. Sometimes pain in the breast is due to conditions in the chest wall which feels like breast pain. Such conditions could be a pulled muscle, an inflammatory process of the cartilage around the ribs or heart angina which may be felt as breast pain. Your soreness could be related to changes in your hormones but you should report this to your doctor for further evaluation. Stop worrying until you know the cause. It might be nothing.

Hi Sis Noe

My doctor told me that if I want to get pregnant I should stop drinking beer? Does alcohol stop someone from getting pregnant? — Curious.

Studies have shown that alcohol can reduce the chance of becoming pregnant. Even women who drink five or less drinks a week may be less likely to become pregnant. So if you want to conceive avoid alcohol completely as it can affect the quality of the egg as well as the sperm for men before conception.

While drinking large amounts over a period of time can result in irregular periods or stop them altogether, you could still get pregnant. During pregnancy, alcohol is known to have the potential to produce birth defects in a developing embryo or foetus.

If a woman drinks during pregnancy the alcohol passes quickly through the placenta into the bloodstream of the baby. The baby cannot break down and get rid of alcohol in the way that adults do. As a result, the alcohol level in the baby’s blood can be higher and remain elevated for longer than the level in the mother’s blood. Drinking heavily before and during pregnancy can increase your risk of early miscarriage. So if you really want to be pregnant, stop drinking.

Hi Sis Noe

I have a problem. Each time after having sex with my wife, she complains of lower abdominal pains. I have since stopped having sex with her. — Worried.

After doing a little research, I learned that many women suffer from cramps/pain after sexual intercourse. But 80 percent of these women are told there is nothing physically wrong with them and doctors are often at a loss to explain the cause. The pain is described as mild cramping to intense sharp pains in the lower abdomen, which usually begins minutes after intercourse; some women report being unable to breathe or walk due to the intense pain.

While some lower abdominal cramping is normal after sex if your wife is pregnant, she should see a doctor if the pain increases in intensity or lasts longer than a day. Some medical professionals believe the cramps are caused by rough sex (deep thrusting) irritating the cervix and causing it to dilate a little. Others think the cramps are caused by muscle contractions from inactivity prior to sexual intercourse. Since your wife has not yet seen a doctor about the problem I suggest that she sees one so that the problem can be identified.