I have to admit that I do get very sexually frustrated. My medical adviser frankly told me that she thought this was bad for me.

So I am thinking of getting a vibrator. But first, I have a few questions.

Are these things safe - or could they harm a woman's personal parts?

Can using them be considered normal - or would I be doing something rather kinky?

What are the types available - and which kind do you think I should buy?

And finally, assuming I do buy a couple of them in the United States of America, would I have any difficulty with customs, in travelling around on airlines with them, or bringing them home?

A First, vibrating toys are sold in huge quantities these days. I have talked to some of the manufacturers and distributors, and they told me that a very large number are bought by women, rather than by men.

In particular, many are sold to women who are in the 40-plus age group. It seems likely that one reason for this is the fact that there are now so many single women around because of divorce and other social factors.

I think that the invention of vibrators was a very good thing. I say this because again and again I have encountered instances where women who could not have orgasms, were helped by vibrators. Also, these little devices are undoubtedly of considerable value to women who are single or like you, suffering from frustration.

Why do the vibrators work so well? The reason is simple. They vibrate very fast. They 'buzz' at a speed much greater than the human finger could. Therefore, a vibrator is often more effective in inducing orgasms than a lover could.

This does not mean that they make men redundant! Vibrators cannot cuddle you or hug you, or whisper 'sweet nothings' in your ear!

But they can play a very valuable part in love play with a partner. And if you are single, they can be of great value in helping you avoid sexual frustration.

In regard to your queries, let me answer them one by one.

First, vibrators are totally safe. I have never seen a woman who has hurt herself, or damaged her intimate parts, through the use of a vibrator.

Second, since so many millions of women around the world employ them, I think it must be considered normal.

Third, there are now many differing varieties, but the two main ones are:

Vaginal vibrators are designed to go inside the vagina. I understand that they produce a pleasant sensation of 'fullness', though they may not actually cause an orgasm. However, there are some vaginal vibrators which are intended to stimulate the 'G-spot', and it is certainly possible that these would give a woman a lot of help in climaxing.

Clitoral vibrators are, of course, designed to 'buzz' very quickly on the clitoris. Some are hand-held, while others are actually 'strapped on' over the clitoral area. Either way, they are highly effective.

In recent years, manufacturers have actually combined the two types into one. These 'combined' devices do go inside the vagina, but they also have a small projection which stimulates the clitoris. This type is referred to as 'the rabbit,' and I believe it is now the most popular model worldwide.

In order to choose the kind you want, I suggest that you simply type the word 'vibrator' into Google. You will find over eight million references, from which you will be able to find pictures of various styles.

These days to get one you don't actually have to go abroad. It is fairly easy to purchase online or at some local shops.

Female travellers say that there is no problem in taking a personal vibrator from one country to another - except if you are visiting the Middle East, where such devices are likely to cause serious offence.

However, never put a vibrator in your cabin baggage. There have been several instances in which one has started buzzing in someone's handbag or vanity case - and caused a bomb alert.

A For men your age that strongly suggests prostate trouble. Please see a doctor very soon for a prostate examination.

A Almost certainly. It is usually possible to find a brand of pill that shortens a woman's period to three-four days.

A Yes. Nowadays, this is really quite a small operation.

A Well, provided you do not overdo the amount you take, they are really not too fattening. And they contain plenty of vitamin A and vitamin C.

However, if you cooked them in fat or oil, that would make the resulting dish quite fattening.

A No, it is not too late. However, a surgeon might well suggest some 'milder' operation which does not involve too much loss of sensitive skin.

A This 'diagnosis' strikes me as foolishness. One cannot diagnose an STI without proper tests. Also, I can think of no form of STI that causes menstrual pain as its main symptom. It is much more likely that you have a gynaecological problem, such as the well-known condition of endometriosis. So, I suggest you find yourself another doctor.

A No one is too young to catch a venereal disease. Please have this child seen by a doctor as soon as possible.