Our Health expert, Dr Christian Jessen, answers your medical queries

Q I’m twenty years old and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about a year ago. This has left me feeling unattractive, and worrying whether I’m more at risk of catching STI’s given that my immune system has been lowered. I’m mainly a bottom too – is this likely to cause me problems, even during periods of remission? I always play safe but are my worries justified?
Charlie, Worthing

A Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, as it can be a difficult and debilitating condition, however you are certainly not alone. I suspect that you will be taking a variety of steroids as part of your treatment, and it is certainly true that these can suppress your immunity somewhat, but the bottom line is the risk is probably more to do with your behaviour than with your immunity. So my advice is to keep using condoms and practising safer sex. Don’t be put off sex by these worries, or let this condition run your life, as good sex will do wonders for your self-esteem and sense of well-being!

Q Since breaking up with my boyfriend I have experienced prolonged periods of deep depression. I feel like I may need some form of help, but don’t wish to solve the problem with medication as I am aware that many people become addicted or zombie-like. What can I do?
Patrick, Bournemouth

A Life events such as this can often be the cause of depression. I want to allay your fears that anti-depressants are addictive, or cause a zombie-like state. They are not, and do not, and could be very effective at getting you through this time. However, anti-depressants are not the only treatment option. Talk therapies like psychotherapy, are also available, and these have been shown to be just as effective in treating mild/moderate depression. However, there are long waiting lists and you need to have several regular sessions in order for them to be effective. Sometimes starting on an anti-depressant whilst on the waiting list for therapy is a good option. You’ve made an important fi rst step in asking for help, so please be reassured that this can be resolved.

Q I chew a lot of gum, but don’t always have anywhere to spit it out, so often end up swallowing it. I remember hearing that chewing gum can’t be digested, and just piles up in your stomach. Please tell me this isn’t true!
Jon, Windsor

A This is a good question, and one of the great urban myths that has been around for years. It is completely untrue. We eat many things on a daily basis which are indigestible and they simply pass through our gut along with everything else. Chewing gum does not build up or form blockages if swallowed, although of course it is better to spit it out wherever possible.

Got a problem you want to have answered? Email your medical queries to drchristian@attitude.co.uk