I’m 22 years old and haven’t had sex yet. I’ve had close encounters, but every time I try I experience a lot of pain. Actually any sort of penetration brings severe pain and discomfort (tampons, fingers etc). i’ve had a basic exam from my gynecologist who reports...
Life
FRIDAY THE 13th
You don’t have to be superstitious to at least give a passing thought to the fact that it is Friday the 13th and a full harvest moon. While Love and Medicine raises a skeptical eyebrow to such folklore, I like to use these cosmic events as a diving board for...
The Lifeguard
In honor of the end of summer, here is a little short story about summer love. The Mediterranean sea is unusually rough. The waves vigorously clap the sand, sending a salty mist into the ocean breeze. The white sand, like sifted flour, surrenders to the harsh waves,...
Intercontinental Parenting
My three children are adults now. They live in Australia, Los Angeles and Israel. I can’t picture any of them living in Milwaukee. They are happy where they are. Here are some of the ways I deal with the distance. It’s not easy. 1.Trust their choices. My eldest...
Mercury Retrograde And What Does It Have To Do With You?
Mercury in retrograde - the default scapegoat when you’re having a bad day, your computer crashes or if you have to explain doing something really impulsive. Before we start judging it as fact or folly, L+M wants to know what it actually means. It suits me as a once...
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE
On the 4th of July Milwaukee is like Pleasantville, USA. This becomes a place where people are “swell and perky.” American flags fly proudly. Kids decorate their bikes in festive red, white and blue. There is a parade with floats, clowns, animals and classic cars. You...
Ask Dr. Annie K: How Mental Health Can Affect Relationships
I've (34M) been with my girlfriend (40F) for 3.5 years and very much do still love her. I suffer from severe anxiety and PTSD but have been active in therapy for well over 15 years. My girlfriend suffers from BPD or bipolar (hasn't been fully diagnosed yet) and...
HELLO JUNE
I have no plans for the weekend, perfect. My eldest daughter and I decided to read a book together, a change from our usual shared series watching. We simultaneously downloaded The Girl Before, by JP Delaney. The reviews say it’s perfect “if you liked Gone Girl”. Oy....
How Hard Can It Be? Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
As part of my series on the Aging Male, Love and Medicine will tackle erectile dysfunction (ED) - failure of the penis to remain erect in order to reach sexual satisfaction. Most men have experienced this at one time in their lives. Men are embarrassed, anxious and...
Have a Peaceful Weekend
On the road again. Embracing every day, trying to get exercise, eat healthy and maintain grounding when everything is fluid. I feel like I’m in constant alert-mode. There isn’t a bunch of chit-chat. There are few phone calls, mostly incoming texts that could be life...
Yes, Look Back
In this society, looking back is considered very uncool. We are encouraged to be in the present. The past is seen as an obstacle to moving forward. Reminiscence is considered a nostalgic waste of time. We should be looking ahead at the next new path. I believe most of...
How To Throw A Great Wedding
I’ve been many things in my life before, but never an M.O.B (Mother of the Bride). I’m far from a big wedding expert, but I’m passing on a few things I learned from my daughter’s wedding last week. I openly wanted them to elope....that wasn’t what they wanted......