Well, I am dating a young man like that, who is a year older than me, and who seems very naive and narrow-minded. Also, he appears rather intimidated by me. But the big problem is his interfering mother and his meddling aunt! His 'Mama' does not like me, and claims that I am 'the wrong star sign' (Leo)!

In fact, the control that his beloved mother has on him is upsetting to me. She is already having converse about her future grandchildren, and saying that I could not care for them in the way that she can.

I think I am falling in love with this boy, but I can't cope with his awful mother, who continuously interferes with our relationship. Doctor, I need help that I don't make a bad decision. Please give your advice.

A. You will instantly see that I have changed your personal details a little - so that your boyfriend's mother will not recognise you.

You say you are falling in love with this guy. You do not say anything about sex, and I wonder if he ever tries to take you to bed? Or does he feel that his mother would not approve?

Frankly, the picture you paint is of one of those rather 'precious' young men who have been brought up in an all-female household, where they were the centre of their mother's attention. You depict this guy as someone who is completely 'under his mother's thumb'. It is interesting that you also say that he is 'intimidated' by you. Obviously, he is now used to being bossed around by females.

In great contrast, you are clearly an intelligent, independent-minded young woman. From my long experience, I would say that for such a feisty lady to embark on a long-term sexual or matrimonial relationship with a weak guy like this would be real unwise.

At the institution where you work, there are many much more positive and free-spirited males - who are not under the rigid rule of their mummies! I suggest you look around and see what is on offer.

A. No, you are normal. These little dewdrops of liquid are called 'pre-ejaculation secretion' or 'pre-come.' The fluid is produced by the prostate gland, and by other structures in the male reproductive tract. It is thought that its function is to gently lubricate the head of the penis - just in case intercourse takes place.

The fluid often appears after any brief physical stimulation of the penis. However, in highly sexed young men - such as yourself - it may start seeping out if they think about sex, or even see a real pretty girl.

A. Well, this will make it a little more difficult to conceive. Also, it would be better for your own bodily health if you could get back to having regular menses.

What you need to do now is to have an internal examination from a doctor. This will help to find out if there is some reason why your periods have become so irregular. She may also wish to do blood tests. After that, I hope that she will be able to give you some medication to regularise your menses. I am pretty sure you will conceive again, and I wish you good luck.

A. It does not sound as if this injury could be affecting your fertility. If you are really concerned about yourself, you could have your doctor do a sperm count test.

However, what strikes me is that you are trying for a baby too early in the month. Having sex a couple of days after the menses finish does not usually 'ring the bell.'

You see, most women ovulate (that is, produce an egg) around 14 days before a period would be due. For a girl with a 26-day cycle, that would be about 12 days after the start of menstruation.

If you want to pinpoint your fiancée's 'ovulation day' more precisely, it is now possible to buy ovulation test kits from large pharmacies, or from the Internet.

A. Please relax! Unless he had a 'blob' of semen on his finger - which seems most unlikely by your account - then the chances of pregnancy are virtually nil. However, you two are obviously on the brink of having sex. Please try to postpone that as long as you can. And when the time comes for you to give up your virginity, I beg you to use sensible contraception.

A. No. Male ejaculate varies quite a lot in taste. Some research which has been carried out on this subject suggests that it depends to some extent on what the guy has been eating in the previous couple of days. But you do not have any sickness, and you definitely should not fret about what your girlfriend has said.

A. Definitely. The menses should have arrived by now. You need a full examination, plus blood tests. Good luck.

Send your questions and comments to the doctor to: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-623. Don't miss your doctor's visit in the Outlook magazine in The Sunday Gleaner.