My husband and I are trying to have a baby. We already have three boys and would like to have a girl. Are there any positions or techniques we can use to increase our odds of having a little girl? Please let me know if you know of anything we can do.

-Too many boys

Dear Too many boys,

While many people believe that there are tricks to determine the sex of the baby, none of these techniques have been scientifically proven. The sex of the baby is determined entirely by the man's sperm. Some sperm carries a Y chromosome, while some an X (the woman's egg is always an X). If the sperm that unites with the egg is a Y, the child will be male; if it is an X, the child will be female.

It is purely chance that will determine which will reach the egg. There is absolutely nothing that you can do to naturally influence which sperm will unite with the egg. Several studies have been conducted on ways of increasing the odds of having a male child via artificial insemination that have indeed worked, but very little progress has been made on increasing the chance of having a female baby. It is also not known whether birth control has any effect. My advice to you is to try not to worry about it and realize that if you are meant to have a girl, you will. Keep in mind that any child can be a great gift regardless of the gender.

Travis

Question 2

What is priapism?

-Just Wondering

Dear Just Wondering,

Priapism is a prolonged and painful erection of the penis, which can last from several hours up to a few days. It is caused when blood flows to the penis, but is then unable to drain back.

Often times, treatment involves draining the penis with a needle placed on the side. Some medication acts on the blood vessels and can also be injected to help shrink the blood vessels and decrease blood flow into the penis.

This condition should be treated immediately, as scars can set in if left untreated, and even cause impotence.

My wife is currently on the Pill, and is thinking about taking a birth control shot. Can you get me some info about it?

-Marcus P.

Dear Marcus P.,

This Depo-Provera shot is a synthetic form of progesterone, the other hormone in birth control pills. It works like the conventional Pill, is about 99.5% effective and is only required once every three months.

On the bad side, it can lead to very irregular periods for your wife, and can lead to weight gain.

Good luck.