Eugene Schoenfeld M.D.
HIPpocrates
1970
Dear Dr. Schoenfeld:
For the past six weeks or so I have been finding it extremely difficult to get an erection. I have also noticed that one of the testicles is becoming larger and the regular size one appears and feels like it has a growth coming on it. Do you think this would have anything to do with the erection problem?
Otherwise everything appears to be normal. Since I have always led a full sex life I would like to know what you think or if it would be advisable to see a doctor.
ANSWER: You should see a physician right away—either your own or a urologist. Referrals can be made through nearby medical schools, county medical societies or free clinics.
Many people put off a visit to the doctor, even when they know something is wrong, for fear of confirming their worst suspicions. Paradoxical, true, but delaying medical treatment for this reason is very common and sometimes a very tragic occurrence.
Dear Dr. Schoenfeld:
Do you offer any precautions against taking mescaline during childbirth? It seems ideal for maximum mental alertness and physical endurance.
If the idea is a very dangerous one, perhaps you can suggest a similar, safer drug. But I’d really like to try it for those reasons.
ANSWER: One of the many failings of our educational systems is that students can go through grade school, high school, and college and never study the human body. Students taking a course in human physiology would learn that an unborn baby’s circulation is linked to the mother’s and that drugs taken by the mother also affect the child. Physicians administer drugs during childbirth with great care because of possible effects on the fetus.
The best way to insure the health of your unborn child is to eat a nutritious diet, abstain from all drugs (including alcohol and tobacco) and receive regular examinations from your family physician or obstetrician.
Dear Dr. Schoenfeld:
Since this question would waste the Army Doctor’s time I’m asking you.
I’ve been really trying to get over my laziness for at least 3 years. When I discovered the hippy world I felt a little proud of it....but it is getting worse.
I have lots of dreams to be a teacher of biology one day, but I’m too lazy to study. It takes a lot to pick up after myself, my house is always messy. I have no children, but I am worried and it’s driving my husband away from me. I told him before we were married that I’m not neat, but he said I’d improve since I love him. But neither love nor money helps.
I’ve been lazy for as long as I can remember—no energy to do what I have to, but I did have an active life of fun while my husband was in Vietnam and this activity landed me with infectious mono.
I’ve always been sickly, I seem to catch every cold there is because I don’t get any exercise, because I’m lazy. What do you suggest?
ANSWER: Why not waste the Army doctor’s time long enough for him to refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist?
Yeah, looking at my cluttered desk I know just how you feel, all these journals, articles, letters
....Think I’ll take a long vacation soon.
Dear Dr. Hip Pocrates is a collection of letters and answers published by Grove Press. $.95 at your favorite bookstore.
Dr. Schoenfeld welcomes your questions. Write to him c/o 1611 San Pablo, Berkeley, Calif. 94702.