I have noticed that there are clumps in it, ranging in length from a quarter of an inch to one inch. Sometimes when I reach orgasm, there are four or more of these clumps, are yellow-white.

Naturally, this is worrying. Is there something wrong with me?

A This concern is extremely common among young men. Indeed, I have often been consulted by guys who were quite desperate with anxiety because they had noticed clumps in their ejaculate. Often, they say that these lumps are like grains of rice.

The simple truth is that doctors have been unable to find any medical reason for these clumps in the seminal fluid. There has been no conclusion that this is a symptom of any disease.

Why does it occur? It's impossible to say. If you input the words 'semen' and 'clumps' into Google, you will find there are more than 150,000 entries, mostly from males who are fretting about the fact that they have noticed clumping.

Many of them have interesting theories about how various items in their diet might have caused the clumps. Some say the clumps ceased to occur when they stopped using artificial sweeteners. Others claim that the phenomenon disappeared when they started drinking more water.

However, I do assure you that as far as doctors are concerned, the occurrence of clumps in semen is not abnormal.

Nevertheless, I note one other point in your email. You say that the clumps are yellow-white. A yellowish colour is quite common in semen, but very occasionally it can indicate the presence of bleeding or infection.

For that reason, I think you should have a medical check-up to ensure you have no problem with your testicles or prostate. Odds are that he will reassure you that you are completely normal.

Please, bear in mind that there is a distinct tendency for male fluid to look slightly more yellowish as men age. This is nothing to worry about.

Q I am a 27-year-old woman. Last October, I was told by a doctor that I have polycystic ovary syndrome.

This has resulted in me having to take birth-control pills to control my menses. However, I experience spotting sometimes, even when I take the Pill on time.

Can you tell me if there is anything else that can be done?

AWomen who have recently started on the Pill often have slight spotting between menses. This does not matter. If it persists, that usually indicates that the brand of Pill is not quite strong enough. Change it.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is extremely common and is thought to affect at least one in 20 young women.

It is a disorder in which there are little cysts - that is, fluid-filled swellings - in the two ovaries. The reason for this is unknown, but there are definitely familial factors. For instance, ladies with PCOS will often have relatives who suffer from diabetes, or 'sugar' in Jamaican parlance. They may also have male relations who have gone bald before age 30.

The features of PCOS may include:

Absent or scanty menses.

Excess facial hair.

Acne on the face.

Overweight.

Difficulties conceiving.

Tendency to miscarriage.

However, many young women only have PCOS very mildly and do not experience all of the above symptoms. From your email, I get the impression that you may just have a mild case. I do hope so.

The treatment of PCOS depends mainly on what symptoms the woman has. Frequently, the patient is given the Pill (as in your case) to control the periods and reduce facial hairiness.

An antidiabetic drug called metformin is often helpful. It's a good idea to lose some weight. If the woman is trying to conceive, fertility drugs are often useful.

Consult a gynaecologist, who can assess you fully and do hormone tests. I wish you well.

QI lost my job and I'm feeling depressed. A doc has put me on an anti-depressant.

But since taking it, I have found it difficult to discharge. Why?

AMany antidepressant drugs have the side effect of delaying climax. That's why they are often used to treat premature ejaculation.

However, not all anti-depressants have this effect, so you should ask your doc to switch you to other medication.

QI am a 32-year-old woman and I have just developed a blood-stained 'leak' from my nipple. Does this matter?

AYes! Bleeding from the nipple can be a sign of serious breast disease, although it can also be due to less important causes.

See a doctor within the next few days. Hospital tests will certainly be necessary.

QI am a guy whose partner is very good at oral sex. But even if she tries for an hour, I still cannot orgasm this way. Is there something wrong?

ANo. I am not sure if you have been watching porn films or reading erotic books, but these always give the impression that any guy should be able to climax swiftly when he is given fellatio.

That's not absolutely true. Many men find it extremely difficult to orgasm through oral sex alone. This is because the mouth is not structured like the vagina, and, therefore, cannot give a male the same continuous stimulation that the vagina does.

Also, some men find difficulty in the fact that they get caught by sharp teeth, which can be quite painful.

You are not abnormal. I hope you will bear in mind that oral sex can pass on sexually transmitted infections, so play it safe and use a condom.

QI am 19 and trying to lose weight. What are the foods to avoid?

AAnything fatty, because fat contains more than twice as many calories as two other main food types - carbohydrates and proteins.

You should also avoid alcohol because this also contains a lot of calories.

Q I have an American boyfriend, who wants me to try vibrating nipple clamps. Are these safe?

A Yes, provided that they are not too tight. If they give you pain, do not use them.

QLate at night, I accidentally swallowed one of my wife's birth-control pills, mistaking for candy. Will it damage me?

ANo. A single contraceptive Pill cannot do you any harm.

For advice to any medical problem, Doc gives you accurate counsel. Email questions to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.