LONDON (AP) — Two new techniques to preserve and transplant ovaries might give women a better chance to fight their biological clocks and have children when they are older, doctors announced.

In the past, scientists have performed ovarian transplants in women with cancer, since chemotherapy often causes infertility. Doctors typically take out patients’ ovaries before the toxic treatment begins and then re-implant them later.

Because of the cost and uncertainties involved — only a handful has been done successfully — this was thought only worthwhile for women with serious diseases who had few options.

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Q:

I’m 21, he’s 30. We’ve been steady the past three years. He promised marriage, but after two years pa daw. Will I wait?

However, I’ve never been introduced to his family. He also has a child with a woman who works at a big department store in Pangasinan. I confronted him about it. He made a confession, asked forgiveness, and suggested that we get the child. I refused.

We engage in premarital sex. For protection, I use contraceptive pills. I told him to get me pregnant, but he said it’s not the right time yet. Does this mean he does not love me?

A:

Be thankful your boyfriend refused to get you pregnant. And this is not just mere question of whether he loves you or not.

Remember, he got another girl pregnant, but did not marry her. We’d never know what unfulfilled promises he also made to that girl. You wouldn’t like that to happen to you. Would you? And he’s right-the only right and legal time for you to get pregnant is after marriage.

Now with premarital sex. God intended sex to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. Most men today still want to marry virgins who are not “soiled” or “secondhand goods.” Psychologists believe boys still classify girls as bad or good depending on their virginity. And with the now-rampant AIDS disease, who knows you’d be the next victim? When you sleep with a man, you may be actually sleeping with his previous sexual partners.

Learn to say No! Before you get pregnant. Using contraceptive pills is not 100 percent safe. The best contraceptive against pregnancy is abstinence.

Is he worth the wait? You should first make clear your doubts:

Why does he not introduce you to his family? What are his plans for his child? Are you sure he really loves you and will marry you in two years’ time?

If you find it difficult to resolve you problem, look up to God and claim this promise, “You [God] are my refuge and shield, and your promises are my only source of hope” (Psalm 119:114, Living Bible).

Nonsmoking women who consume more than 300 mg. of caffeine daily reduce their monthly chance of conception by 26 percent. This is a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology’s latest issue. Caffeine disrupts the menstrual cycle and leads to early pregnancy loss.

Dr. Neil Stine, cardiologist at Northern University School of Medicine in Chicago, said that heavy coffee drinkers are more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and lead more sedentary lifestyles.

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Q:

I’m 30, and still single. I’m afraid to marry because of my health; I’ve been asthmatic since childhood. In 1992, I was hospitalized for asthma. A chest showed a bulla and localized emphysema on my right lung.

Presently with the medications I’m taking, there have been no attacks and I’m able to do my job and other activities. But I have a persistent suitor and I’m falling in love with him. When I get married, do you think I can still bear a child?

Rx:

From your description, your asthma is controlled and you are able to do your regular activities. According to studies, of the asthmatic women who get pregnant, a third will improve, another third will remain the same, and rest will worsen. So I don’t think you should be afraid of getting married and having a child. The best thing you can do is seek medical care from your family doctor or, better yet, from a pulmonologist. With proper medication, your asthma symptom will be adequately controlled and the progression of your lung finding can be delayed.