Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP whose advice you can trust
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Wee willy worry!
QWhy is my penis so small, and would getting enlargement surgery work?
AEvery guy is different, and some are bigger than others – it doesn’t usually have a great effect on sex. There’s a rare condition called micropenis, which affects around one man in 7,000, where the penis doesn’t grow properly due to a hormone problem, but unless your willy is very small (less than 9.3cm when stretched) that’s unlikely to apply to you.
Your doctor can advise but unless you do have a micropenis, surgery isn’t usually necessary, or guaranteed to mean better sex.
An operation to cut the ligaments holding your penis can make it look longer when floppy, but won’t make much difference to its length when it’s erect. Injections of fat, or silicone implants, can make your penis fatter but again won’t necessarily improve sex.
Will hip ruin sex?
QI’m due a hip replacement operation, but I’m worried – can I still have sex with an artificial hip?
AYes, you can – and it could be better than ever! Around three-quarters of people
with hip arthritis cut down or stop sex because it’s painful. A hip replacement can end the pain, but there are precautions. You should lay off sex for around six to eight weeks after your op to allow tissues to heal.
Afterwards, avoid bending your hip too far forwards as this could dislocate it (pull it out of place). This means avoiding sex positions, such as kneeling on top, lying face to face on your side, or kneeling with your partner behind you.
Lying on your back with your partner on top is often best. People are often embarrassed to discuss this with their surgeon – don’t be afraid to ask!
Tot night terrors
QMy 4-year-old has awful night terrors – is there some way to stop them?
ANight terrors can be frightening to watch but are harmless. The child might scream in their sleep, open their eyes wide and appear terrified by something only they can see.
No-one’s sure what’s going on but it isn’t a nightmare – terrors don’t happen during REM sleep, when dreams happen, and the child do
