Intimacy does not cause prostate cancer By Peter H. Gott, M.D. Dear Dr. Gott: Although we are in our early 70s, my wife and I continue to enjoy regular physical intimacy. However, she is afraid that, despite my normal PSA prostate cancer test, frequent sex could lead to cancer. Is her concern justified? Does having sex at an older age predispose a man to have a prostate malignancy? Dear Reader: No one knows the cause of prostate cancer. Medical professionals have been periodically rocked by assertions that too much sex (how much is too much?) -- or too little sex (what is too little?) -- can contribute to prostate cancer. To my knowledge, this is a non-issue. I am not aware of any reputable medical studies that prove (or even suggest) that sexual activity is in any way related to prostate tumors. I hope that your wife hasn't raised this issue to cool your ardor! You are to be envied, actually, for being able to perform satisfactorily at your age; many 70-something men have difficulty in this regard. Consequently, you may continue your present behavior without worrying about prostate cancer. To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "The Prostate Gland." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title. Dear Dr. Gott: In a recent column, you wrote that acyclovir is the preferred drug to treat shingles. However, when I developed shingles, my doctor prescribed cephalexin. I'd always been told that antibacterial medication is not useful for viral infections. Am I incorrect? Dear Reader: No, you're not. I believe that your physician's choice was not appropriate, unless he suspected that a secondary bacterial infection was complicating your shingles. Dear Dr. Gott: My 44-year-old husband claims to have a continuous cold, with congestion, runny nose and cough. He works in a plant that makes fiberglass panels. This morning, he told me that two other guys who work with him have the same chronic symptoms. I believe that colds are not chronic and that something else is going on. Can you help? Dear Reader: You are correct that colds are not chronic. These viral infections typically last about a week. I agree that an investigation is in order. For example, your husband and his two co-workers may be reacting to something in their environment, such as fiberglass particles or allergens in the workplace. Also, it's possible that the men may have sinus infections or chronic bronchitis (especially if they are smokers). I believe your best bet is to involve your family physician, who should be able to sort matters out by examining your husband and -- if necessary -- instituting an analysis of possible pollution in the plant. If such a screening confirms the presence of contaminants in the workplace, the situation is hazardous and should be corrected. On the other hand, if infection is causing the symptoms, an extended course of antibiotics could solve the problem.