We all have friends who have friends who have mothers who have told them a myth that they are now telling us.
Toothbrushes cause toe cancer, bananas heal the blind or Coca-Cola can be used has birth control.
So what on earth are you going to do?
Write to your friendly Cavalier Daily Health and Sexuality columnist -- that's what! You need the truth and I am here to give it. Just hop onto www.cavalierdaily.com, go to the Health and Sexuality section and click on Sex and Balances Question Submission.
As a fourth-year medical student, I have become comfortable answering questions. On day one of medical school, family members and remote friends realized that I would be a source of free medical advice (emphasis on free, not advice). In the hospital questions came from all directions, residents, patients.I never knew when another question would attack.
By now, though, I actually know something about the spot on the back of my great Auntie Bertha's knee, and if I don't I know where to look it up.
Here's something for you to think about: One of the most random myths is that Coca-Cola can double as a spermicidal. In the 1950's and 60's girls would douche with shaken Coca-Cola immediately after sex. Talk about ruining the moment! In reality the sperm were too fast for the Coke and already in the fallopian tubes. Also we have to remember that Coke is full of sugar and an excellent medium for bacteria. Then of course the final fact: Coke is NOT spermicidal.
Medicine is scary. Cancer, stroke and other disease are scary, mostly because of the unknown. But we have to realize it wasn't too long ago that blood letting was the norm and doctors prescribed arsenic. People died and no one really knew why. This fear still persists.Drugs taken off the market cause mass exodus to the doctor's office, yet often important questions remain unanswered.Deep down we want to know if we are at risk of the brain tumor that killed a loved one, yet we are afraid to ask.
This is where I come in.Got questions? I'll find answers. Send them to me at www.cavalierdaily.com/sex.asp.
Ask about foot fungus, the case you saw on the TV show House, colonoscopies, or your aunt who had the aneurysm. I'll be here, waiting.
Lisa Hermann is a Cavalier Daily Health & Sexuality Columnist. She can be reached at lisa@cavalierdaily.com or through the Sex & Balances submission page at cavalierdaily.com/sex.asp.
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