ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

IS HE CONTAGIOUS?

Q

We are planning a family get-together next weekend to celebrate my husband’s 70th birthday. All four of our children and their partners are due to join us. My eldest daughter called to say her son has hand, foot and mouth disease. My youngest daughter is 12 weeks pregnant. She has only told me and was planning to tell the others at the weekend. Is it OK for my grandson to come? A

Hand, foot and mouth lasts seven to 10 days so your grandson may have recovered in time, but you should probably tell your younger daughter and decide together. Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually no risk to the pregnancy or baby, but, rarely, a high temperature in the first trimester can cause miscarriage.

CONTACT DR DAWN

Send your questions to drdawn@futurenet.com, follow her on Twitter @Drdawnharper, or go to drdawn.com

WILL MUM’S CANCER STOP ME TAKING HRT?

Q

I’m going through ‘the change’ and trying to manage without HRT. After chatting to girlfriends, I finally decided enough was enough so I made an appointment to see my GP to ask for HRT. I was feeling very positive about it, but I discovered today that my mum has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m guessing that means I can’t have HRT? A

Not necessarily. The two greatest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. Postmenopausal breast cancer is less likely to have a genetic component, so keep the appointment. While you’re waiting try to find out as much as you can about any other relatives with breast, ovarian or prostate cancer.

I HAVE LOST MY SEX DRIVE

Q

I am 57 and have a broken sex drive. I have no desire to have sex at all. I never think about it, and the thought of it leaves me cold. It worries me as my friends keep telling me how great their sex lives are. My husband is understanding, but I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

A

Everyone’s sex drive is different, and there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ libido. Your friends say their sex drive has never been better, but that doesn’t mean that yours is in some way broken. There are so many things that affect sex drive, including stress, menopause and even underlying conditions. See your GP for help and advice.