The last time I went for a check-up with my general practitioner, which was before my last period, he told me that he felt two growths in my vagina. Do you think these growths are causing my symptoms?

A. Before I turn to the question of your overdue menses, let me first deal with this question of the 'two growths' in your vagina.

I find this diagnosis a little puzzling. The word 'growths' sometimes means cancer, but it can also mean benign (or harmless) lumps.

At your age, it is unlikely that you could have any cancerous growth in the vagina. So presumably the doc was talking about two benign swellings that he detected.

The only common benign growth that occurs in the vaginas of younger women is PAPILLOMA. This is a wart-like swelling, often located high up in the vagina on the cervix, but sometimes near the vaginal opening (the vulva).

However, neither papilloma nor any other kind of vaginal swelling could possibly affect your menses. That is because periods come from the womb, which is above the vagina.

With regard to the two growths, ask the doctor exactly what they are and whether anything needs to be done to remove them.

Now let us turn to the question of your overdue menses. The commonest reason for a period to fail to arrive is pregnancy.

Clearly, you have thought of this because you mention that you do not have symptoms which often accompany early pregnancy. These are:

There is one other common symptom of pregnancy, excessive production of saliva, a feature which many women notice soon after they conceive. I assume that you do not have this, as you have not mentioned it.

But although you do not have any of the symptoms listed above, I think it is essential that you now do a pregnancy test! Presumably, you have had sex sometime in 2009, or you would not be listing the symptoms of pregnancy. So pregnancy has to be a distinct possibility.

Finally, I am a little alarmed by your mention of abdominal 'hardness' and 'pain' and 'cramps.' Because you have these symptoms, I think it is essential to make sure that you do not have an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic means the pregnancy occurs outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube. It causes pain and discomfort in the lower part of the belly.

There are also certain other conditions which cause symptoms similar to yours. Some are serious, some are not.

But I guess you can tell what I'm about to say. Get that pregnancy test done, then see a doc for a full internal check-up. I wish you well.

A. Have you checked with a doc to see if they really are small? In the unlikely event that they are, he would almost certainly suggest that you have a blood test to assess your male hormones.

However, for the ordinary guy whose testicles are not affected by any hormonal deficiency, there is no way of taking medication to make the testicles bigger.

A. It is quite common for women to be afraid of consulting male doctors. Such a fear can be treated psychologically, but I feel you are right in suggesting that, for the moment, your wife should to consult a female doc.

However, I think you are making a mistake in assuming that you need to go to an obstetrician or gynaecologist at this time. What you have probably not realised is that when a couple has fertility difficulties, in nearly half the cases, it is the guy who has the health problem. Therefore, the husband also needs a check-up and tests.

I suggest that both of you see a female general practitioner or a lady doc who is interested in family planning. She will assess your medical history and organise the necessary tests. Good luck.

A. Acne, which is characterised by facial spots, is very common among youths.

Very often, doctors will treat it by putting the person on antibiotics. But these have to be taken for months to achieve significant effects. I usually give an initial prescription for three months' supply of a tetracycline antibiotic. It is not surprising that you have seen no improvement at this early stage. Please keep taking the tablets.

A. No. Bananas are rated as low-calorie food. A 100-gram banana contains about 95 calories, which is not really very much. It also contains practically no fat.

A. I suspect that you have a degree of the female condition called vaginismus, in which the vaginal muscles contract whenever an attempt at penetration is made.

Your first step should be to buy a good vaginal lubricant from a pharmacy and use it on all occasions when you are going in for any 'love play' or petting. Second, I suggest you consult a female doctor who can examine you, then teach you the simple technique of relaxing the vaginal muscles.

Have a medical condition you need advice on? Email questions to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.