Q: I am 22 years old and anaemic and have had irregular and sometimes painful periods every now and then, but have never skipped my monthly cycles. I usually bleed for around seven days. I am getting married next month and have never had sex before. I am anxious but my fiancee insists on not using a condom on the nuptial night. What should I do?

A:The best contraceptive is the oral contraceptive pill, but it needs to be taken for at least two months before it is fully effective. It is a good method for you since you are also anaemic and have irregular menses, the pill has the added advantage of correcting these problems too.