Why is it that, when we have a cocktail in hand, we can freely ask a GP anything? Sydney-based GP Dr Ginni Mansberg (drginni.com.au) talks us through the most common medical queries she hears when the music is loud and the inhibitions are low.
Do i need a pap smear?
“Yes, unless you’re a virgin.”
I experience pain during sex. Is that normal?
“No. If the pain’s on the outside and you feel it when he’s entering, it’s often thrush (which stings like hell), or it could be dermatitis or herpes. If the pain’s deep inside when he’s thrusting, it could be pelvic inflammatory disease. See your doctor if the problem’s ongoing.”
Are STDs on the rise?
“There’s been an increase in people being diagnosed with chlamydia in Australia. However, we’re not sure if that’s because more people have it, or because more people are being tested for it. Regarding syphilis and HIV/AIDS, I can’t ensure you’re not going to get them here, but, generally, I see them in people who’ve had unprotected sex overseas.”
How dangerous are party drugs, really?
“Well, you’re dealing with completely unregulated substances, so no-one knows what’s in them. Generally speaking, the dangers with ecstasy are dehydration and overheating, or, on the flip side, over-hydration.
Chronic cocaine users can become quite mentally ill. The really, really nasty one is GHB [gamma-hydroxybutyrate, aka ‘liquid ecstasy’] – there’s a thin line between the amount of it that’ll get you high and the amount that’ll kill you. I wouldn’t touch it ever.” Visit drugs.health.gov.au for more info.
How safe is laser hair removal?
“Really safe. We haven’t seen any side effects so far. Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and pale skin. Given the number of ingrown hairs and rashes from shaving and waxing I’ve seen, I think it’s a fantastic invention.”
The best sleeping pills for air travel?
“The best over-the-counter ones are melatonin, phenergan, St John’s wort, and hypericum. But don’t mix any combination of these, and do a trial run before you go to see if it works for you.”
Do people get things stuck up their bums, and have to get them removed by a doctor?
“Yes. Some of the X-rays are works of art. You just go, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen a carrot that size’, or ‘Look at all the little mechanisms in that vibrator!’.”
What do you think of health supplements?
“This is a complex question. Because my work hours are so long, and there’s no way I’m getting enough sunlight, I personally take fish oil [supplements] and vitamin D. For everything else, I try to get [nutrients] from my food.”
Is hospital life really like how it’s depicted on television, with shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scrubs?
“Parts of it, yes. Although it’s very hard work, there are bits that are incredibly intellectually challenging, and there are all sorts of clandestine relationships going on, soap-opera style.”
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