I am a 27-year-old woman. When I was only 17 years old in the USA, I fell in love with a man who was 12 years my senior. He initiated an intimate relationship with me. Doctor, I didn't want to have sex with him. In fact, I said 'No', but he didn't listen. He just continued.

On the first occasion, I made several attempts to push him away, but he roughly insisted. All I could feel was a burning sensation, and a tearing feeling when he got inside of me. It hurt very much, and I was frightened by the sight of blood on my panty.

As a result of all this, I had a child. When I told my father what had happened, he said it wasn't rape because I didn't fight back hard enough.

The baby's father has chosen not to be part of our lives. Can you tell me if I was raped by this man? I want to know what really happened.

A Well, you will immediately see that I have altered one or two details of your sad story in order to prevent you from being recognised.

From your long email, it is clear that you have suffered great distress as a result of what this guy did to you - and, indeed, you are still suffering it.

Looking at the full details you have given me, I have absolutely no doubt that on the first occasion you had sex with him, that was indeed rape. And it was rape of a very young woman by an older man, whose behaviour was disgraceful.

As to what happened on subsequent occasions, I do not know. But the loss of your virginity was clearly a pretty brutal experience.

You should pay no mind to your father's comment that 'it couldn't have been rape'.

Nowadays, it is generally recognised by medical and legal experts that rape is rape, even if the frightened woman does not manage to fight like a wildcat!

Unfortunately, I am very doubtful that you would be able to bring a successful prosecution for rape against this man, especially as some years have gone by. But I am not an attorney, and I may be wrong. So if you can afford it, it may be worth consulting a lawyer.

Now, I am real concerned about your emotional state, which is obviously very stressed. That is not surprising, after all the unhappiness you have been through.

There is no question that you need professional help, probably over a period of many months. I don't think that you necessarily need to see a psychologist. But a good therapist or counsellor - especially one who has experience in dealing with rape victims - would be of great help to you.

My suggestion is that you begin by contacting the Women's Crisis Centre at 4 Ellesmere Road, Kingston 10. Their telephone number is 754-8577.

Life has treated you very badly so far. I really do hope that from now on things will go much, much better for you and your child.<

A That is not correct. Although most cancers do affect the middle-aged and elderly, there is one big exception - and that is cancer of the testicle.

In fact, it is commonest in the mid to late 20s. So although I am not saying that this lump is definitely cancerous, you must see a doc tomorrow. Please do not delay because your life is at stake.

Q. Doc, it is clear that I must reach menopause soon, because all the signs are there! But will I still be able to discharge afterwards? My sister told me that I won't. Is she correct?

A No, this is foolishness. I do not know why your sister is saying this. Research in England has shown that most women are able to continue orgasming after the menopause.

Indeed, quite a few of them become more orgasmic after they have passed through 'the change of life'. Some discover that they can now produce 'multiple orgasms', when they could not do so before.

Also, American sex gurus have reported that a lot of ladies who could not climax do learn to discharge for the first time after they have been through menopause.

So your outlook is bright!

Q. I am seeking some advice about the long-standing hiccough (hiccup) that is affecting my dad. Even prescriptions from doctors do not help him.

A People tend to laugh at the idea of hiccoughing - probably because of its frequent association with drink. But, in fact, it can be real distressing, especially if it goes on for weeks or months. It is caused from irritation of the diaphragm, which forms a 'partition' between the belly and the chest.

One simple remedy which is worth trying is to lie on the back, draw the knees up to the chest, and bite into half a lime. If that fails, then I think your father should have a full medical exam from a doc, to make sure that he doesn't have some disorder of the diaphragm.

If the condition just will not stop, it is sometimes possible to take an operation in which the nerve that supplies the diaphragm is cut.

A I have received several emails about skin problems after using anti-perspirants and deodorants. Often, these are a reaction to aluminium chloride, which is a chemical contained in the product.

The best I can suggest is that you ask your local pharmacy to find you a product that does not contain aluminium chloride.

A Alas, cleaning out the little Fallopian tubes is not very easy. If the docs think that your tubes are blocked by some infection, they could give you antibiotics.

However, if - as is often the case - those tubes are blocked by long-standing scars and 'adhesions' (which are bands of tissue), then only surgery could unblock them. Sorry.

A Common ones are headache, blocked nose, indigestion and a 'full' feeling in the face. Some guys get 'blue vision.' For a full list of side effects, please read the package leaflet.

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