bettyandjohnny

If you have urgent questions please contact Counselling and Career service, located at OGMO6, or phone them at : 786-9231. Additional resources available in Winnipeg include the Klinic 24 hr crisis line (204)786-8686, the Manitoba Suicide Line
1 (877)435-7170 and Emergency Services (911) if necessary. Klinic on campus also runs a walk-in medical clinic for any medical concerns.

Hello Everybody and welcome back to school!!! Betty and Johnny is back again this year...and now is also in the Uniter. If you have any questions, you can post them anonymously on this livejournal web page, email them to uofwpeersupport@gmail.com, or phone Peer Support during office hours at 786-9867.

If you have any personal or relationship questions that need answers - you can get the answer by writing to us (UofW Peer Supporters). All you need to do is post a comment through the "leave a comment" link presented at the bottom of this page. Click on this link once and then scroll to the bottom of the page again in order to access the comment box. The answer to your question will be posted below as soon as possible.

If you would like to check out the questions and answers from last year they can be found in Peer Support in ORM13.

All the answers posted on this site are approved by a registered public nurse. Therefore, you can be sure that the information is both accurate and up to date.

Q: What is the average GPA for university students taking the sciences? And if you could find out, what is the average GPA for students with a Biochem major?

A: The average GPA for a science degree, and also for a biochemistry major are information that could not be given. Department heads and Students records both could not provide the answers. What we can tell you is for you to graduate with a science degree; you must have a 2.0 in all classes meeting the degree requirement. If you are planning to go to medical school by chance, than the average min is 3.6, to be looked at for interview try to have the highest GPA you can have. Work as hard as you can, but do not stress yourself out, its how you feel in the end.

Q: Hi, here’s a question:

- I started taking birth control, and I found that at least twice a month, I would wake up at 4- 4:30 am and need to barf,(if I don’t barf then I just feel nauseous for the rest of the day). It is quit painful barfing when there is nothing in your stomach! so I talked to my doctor, and she gave me "alesse" which is supposed to have less symptoms ...so I started taking this new pill, and it is only two days in and (I take my pill at 10 pm), and AGAIN, I was awoken by nausea,(at 4:30am) and barfed 5 times after that within the next 3 hours. The only way I got rid of the nausea was for me to scarf down some food, but then I still feel nauseous the rest of my day. (Not to mention dead tired and icky feeling). So I’m thinking that all birth control will do this to me, because it’s always 4 am!!! My doctor said I should be able to sleep through the side effects. But it’s just not working. It makes me regret taking it every night. If I WAS to stay on it, and possibly just take it earlier in the day, how safe is it for me to just switch from taking it at 10pm to say noon? ...plus I’m also scared that if I take it at noon, then I will just barf throughout the day.
Help me please!! I feel so sick, which is dumb.

A: If you are experiencing any side effects after you've been on HBC (hormonal birth control) for at least three cycles, you may need to reconsider a different type of birth control, possibly even one without hormones. Reoccurring side effects can be the result of too high of a dosage in hormones.

However the side effects that you describe mostly nausea and vomiting, are the usually due to the estrogen component of birth control pills. A better option for you might be a contraception containing only progesterone. There are birth control pills with only progesterone, commonly called the Mini-pill (brand Micronor). There is an injectable form of progesterone, given every 12 weeks, called Depo-provera. There is also an intra-uterine device containing slow-release progesterone that can be left in for up to 5 years (brand Mirena).

As well, there are many non-hormonal birth control potions, including condoms, an intra-uterine device without hormones, contraceptive sponges, spermicide, and cervical caps. There are pros and cons for all forms of contraception, so it is important to review them in detail, along with your personal preferences.

Since you are currently on a birth control pill with one of the lowest doses of estrogen, talking to your doctor or another health care practitioner would be your best and safest option. Klinic Students Health Services is open on campus at U of W from the beginning of September to the end of April. Good luck!!

Q: hi
I have a question?

How do you control how much you sweat, I know someone that sweats a lot. If they walk up a few stairs their sweating, if they talk to someone they feel weird around they start sweating. And if they exercise they sweat like crazy. They won't even feel hot and they sweat a lot because their clothes will be all wet. And they use all type of sprays and deodorant. What are you suppose to do, to reduce the amount of sweating? Any ideas...?

A: Sweating is the release of a salty liquid from the body's sweat glands. This process is also called perspiration. It is a necessary bodily function in order to keep cool. Because sweating is the body's natural way of regulating temperature, people sweat more when it's hot outside. People also sweat more when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid. People may also sweat more when taking certain medications, due to such as amphetamines, thyroid hormones, certain psychopharmacological drugs, morphine, or even caffeine will tend to increase the level of sweat one produces. The withdrawal from a number of substances will even increase how much you sweat.

Typically the most common complaints are either excessive sweating or excessive odor associated with the sweat.

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. However, excessive sweating occurs without such triggers. Those with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands.

It is important to remember that sweat glands are glands like any other part of the body and are susceptible to the same constitutional and environmental influences as any other body part. (Ex: excessive odor can be linked to bacterial infection of the sweat glands in some cases and cured with antibiotics/special washes).

The uncontrollable sweating can lead to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional. When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it's called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis affects 2 - 3% of the population, yet less than 40% of patients with this condition seek medical advice. In the majority of primary hyperhidrosis cases, no cause can be found. It seems to run in families.

If the sweating occurs as a result of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body, or it may be in one area. Conditions that cause secondary hyperhidrosis include:

Acromegaly
Anxiety conditions
Cancer
Carcinoid syndrome
Certain medications and substances of abuse
Glucose control disorders
Heart disease
Hyperthyroidism
Lung disease
Menopause
Parkinson’s disease
Pheochromocytoma
Spinal cord injury
Stroke
Tuberculosis or other infections

Most of these causes are quite uncommon and highly unlikely for the particular situation outlined in the question. Most likely things to look at are anxiety based causes and/or overactive sweat glands. These can be treated with antiperspirants, however if proven ineffective or irritating to the skin you can talk to your doctor about other options. There are medications, and in extreme/ intractable cases surgeries, that are available. Try and keep a journal of the types of situations and circumstances where this occurs/is worst as this might help you or your physician in making an assessment and in deciding what actions to take.

Q: Is it true that there are kegel exercises that men can do to help them hold off during sex?

A: Yes it is true. Kegel exercises are exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the urethra, bladder, uterus, and rectum. These exercises can help males control premature ejaculation and withhold orgasm to sustain sexual activity. These exercises are easy to do and can show good results. For more information on kegel exercises and instructions, you can visit

www.sexualityandU.ca or www.serc.mb.ca http://www.serc.mb.ca/SERC/content/dload/prematureejaculation/file is a link to specific information on the SERC site.

Also, a recommended book is “PE: How to Overcome Premature Ejaculation” by Helen Singer Kaplan

Q: What can cause an extremely itchy and irritable anus?

A: An itchy and irritable anus can occur for a number of reasons. Not properly wiping that area after defecating can cause this uncomfortable condition. If excrement is still left around your anus, the combination of moisture and feces can cause irritation. Other possible causes are pinworms, yeast infections, hemorrhoids, and food sensitivities. If the itching is disruptive for a number of days, see your health care provider and she/he may prescribe a suitable medication.

Q: For a long time now i have had thick white discharge. i dont feel any pain or itching so i dont think it is a yeast infection. can you tell me if this is normal or what it could be and how to get rid of it.

A: Vaginal discharge is normal and differs in consistency and amount during different phases of the menstrual cycle and life stages. Normal vaginal discharge can range from clear and slippery, like raw egg white (around the time of ovulation) to sticky and white or cloudy (just before and after a period). The discharge can have an odor but it is generally not unpleasant. Women who take the oral contraceptive pill may experience an increase in vaginal discharge, while menopausal women commonly report a reduction. There can be a number of explanations for thick discharge (yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or an STI like gonorrhea or chlamydia). Since it seems to be a concern, we would recommend seeing a health professional. If you do not have a family doctor, Klinic on Campus can be of assistance. If infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are the causes of your discharge, there are some reproductive problems that can develop so please see a health professional about it as soon as possible.

Q: Why don't the Women Health Centers provide more information on natural birth control methods? Why are they such pill pushers?

A: Although no methods of contraceptive are 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), there are many different methods available. The ‘Women Health Centers’ may ‘push the pill’ because it is very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. It does not, however, prevent STIs, and so must be used along with condoms if there is any concern about possible STIs.

Natural Birth Control methods refer to avoiding pregnancy/ STIs without drugs or chemicals. Barrier methods of contraceptives do aid in preventing sperm entry into the cervix. Barrier methods include condoms (for males or females), the contraceptive sponge, cervical caps and the diaphragm. Natural Birth Control methods can also refer to withdrawal and fertility awareness methods. Voice your opinion about not feeling comfortable with the pill as a contraceptive and your health provider can guide you in a direction that is more suitable for you. Klinic on Campus is a good resource for discussing contraceptive options and accessing them.

The following table outlines the effectiveness of different contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy. It’s from JOGC (the Journal of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada) Feb.2004.

Contraceptive Method: Pregnancies per 100 women

in first 12 months of use

Oral contraceptives 0.1 6-8*

(combination birth control pill

with estrogen and progesterone)
Male condoms 3 14

Coitus interuptus (withdrawal) 4 19

Diaphragm with spermicide 6 20

Female condoms 5 21

Fertility awareness-based methods 1-9 20

Cervical cap – for nulliparous women (have not had a child) 9 20

For parous women (have had a child) 26 40

No contraception 85 85

* The first column of numbers refers to when the method of contraception is used correctly and consistently.

The second column of numbers refers to when the method of contraception is used as commonly used.

Q: Hello, I have a question.

I have a friend who thinks she may be pregnant, but isn't sure. The last time she had sex was 3 months ago. She took a pregnancy test about 2 months ago and it turned up negative. However, her belly is beginning to swell, her breasts are getting larger and she is pretty sure that she is pregnant. I asked her is she got her period after having sex and she said yes.

Things don't seem to add up here. That just might be because I'm male and don't know much about female bits, but isn't it impossible to have a period after impregnation? If she isn't pregnant then can her physical symptoms be attributed to weight gain?

A: It is possible to have post-conception bleeding that can be confusing. Here are some possible causes:

1.) Implantation Bleeding-the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall 6-10 days after conception, which may cause some spotting and cramps.
2.) Bleeding and miscarriage-20-30% of women will experience some bleeding during the first trimester and 15-20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, the majority of them occurring within the first 12 weeks.
3.) Ectopic pregnancy can also cause bleeding, which occurs when the embryo is implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This bleeding is usually associated with abdominal pain and can indicate that the tube has ruptured, and is a medical emergency!

Physical changes generally associated with pregnancy are:

Breasts can be somewhat sore, sensitive, or swollen, as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. During the first trimester women gain an average of 3-5lbs. Also, nausea is fairly common, especially in the morning.

Home pregnancy tests are 97% accurate but must be done on the first morning urine for the most accurate result. Seeing a family doctor or clinic will provide more information and be able to provide a blood test or urine test to see if human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (the pregnancy hormone) is present. Any bleeding in pregnancy is not normal and needs to checked as soon as possible.

Q: If I take a course to get a better mark, will my original mark show on my transcript? And if so will the old mark count toward my GPA?

A: Both the orginal mark and new mark WILL show on the transcript, but only the new mark will count toward Grade Point Average.

Q: What if you really like someone but they don't like you. How do I know if they are interested?

Q: How do you explain to someone you have herpes? If you use a condom is it probably ok?

Q: Why isn't my boyfriend interested in sex anymore after dating for a year?

A: If you or someone you know of is having relationship, school, work or home related problems swing by Peer Support in room ORM13 to talk to someone who is there to listen! Peer Support is a non-judgmental student service group who is there to sit, listen, and talk about the good and bad you are experiencing in any aspect of your life. Please come visit us... we look forward to seeing you!!

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