When I was about 30, I began to realise that I was often attracted to women. For instance, if I looked at a magazine which contained a picture of a male film star and a female, both in swimwear, it was invariably the female who caught my attention.

I also realised that photos of nude women, like those in men's 'pin-up' publications, was attractive to me. With a shock, I suddenly understood that I liked looking at bare breasts.

This was quite something, I can tell you. I tried to fight it for several years, but gave up what I thought was a hopeless struggle.

Although I have a few close female friends, I must tell you that I have NEVER had a physical relationship with another woman. But I do find that when a pretty girl brushes against me, or kisses me on the cheek, I get a real 'charge' of what must be sexual pleasure.

So, I have a few questions for you, doctor. Do you think that I am definitely a lesbian, or not? Is there a genetic test for lesbianism? Would a hormone test clear up whether I am lesbian or just 'toying with the idea'? Would psychiatric treatment help me? Or counselling?

I travel to the United States a lot where contact with similarly minded females is very easy. If I gave into temptation while in (say) New York, and went to bed with another woman, would there be any chance of catching something awful, like a venereal disease or HIV?

A. Well, these questions have obviously been worrying you, and I'm sure you must have suffered quite a bit over the last several years. Certainly, you are far from alone in your current dilemma.

Now, let me try to answer your queries.

Firstly, it seems extremely likely to me that you are a lesbian. There is every indication that at this period of your life, all your sexual energy is towards women, and not men.

I am not saying that you will be a lesbian ALL your life, because people do sometimes change. But at the moment, you do appear to be a non-practising lesbian.

Secondly, there is no 'genetic test for lesbianism' because 'lesbian genes' are the same as those of other women. Neither is there a blood test. This is because hormone levels in lesbians are exactly the same as in heterosexual women.

As it relates to psychiatric treatment, I have never seen a case in which a mature, adult woman had her sexual orientation changed by a psychiatrist. It might be different if you were a teenager.

At the very least, a good counsellor could help you come to terms with your feelings, and to decide what - if anything - you are going to do about them.

Finally, if you went to bed with some like-minded woman in New York, the reality is that ANY intimate sexual contact with another person can lead to transfer of the germs which causes sexually transmitted infections. Any activity that involves exchange of body fluids, or penetration of some sort, do carry a definite risk of transmitting HIV.

Having said that, the interesting truth is that the incidence of venereal infections are remarkably low in lesbians. Unlike male homosexuals, they do NOT have an increased risk of HIV. I wish you well in making your decisions. If you can find a skilled and reliable counsellor to help you, I am sure that would be a good thing.

A. Probably. Viagra helps around 60 per cent of diabetic men who are having potency problems. Some have also been helped by other medications such as Cialis and Levitra. Good luck.

A. No, I am afraid that there are no test that can be done while the foetus is still in the womb. However, after the baby is born, it would be easy to do a paternity test, if the woman agrees. I must warn you that it is quite expensive.

A. Yes, unless your doctor says that there is some health risk why you should NOT. Such a prohibition is quite unusual.

Q. My little girl's chest keeps making a 'fee-fee' sound at night. Why is this?

A. Well, a 'fee-fee' sound in children is often an indication of asthma. Is there a history of asthma in your family?

You should have her examined by a doctor. She may also need some special tests. But if it does turn out to be asthma, the treatments today are very good.

A. 'Threesomes are NOT usually a good idea. For starters, you double the chances of catching a sexually transmitted infection - including HIV.

Also, what if you get pregnant? That could be a very confusing situation!

And how would you feel if these men told other people in your office about what they did with you? All in all, I think that this is a pretty stupid proposal.

A. No. The mini-Pill (progestogen-only Pill) is meant to be taken EVERY day of the year, without breaks.