EDITOR'S NOTE: The following column contains a topic that may be sensitive to some readers.Dear Dr. Gott> Vicks VapoRub and soap under my sheets work for me. Thanks. I have both your books ("No House Calls" and "Live Longer, Live Better"). The first one I got from a used bookstore. My wife died several years ago, and my annual PSA test results started going up. My doctor told me not to worry because they were under four. I read in your "Live Longer, Live Better" book about a 64-year-old Catholic widower who started regular masturbation after his wife died.

You told him, "Masturbation is a safe and harmless way to resolve your sexual tension." I started the same thing a little more frequently than I ejaculated with my wife.

Now, each year, my PSA results are going down. This year, my PSA is down to 1.2. I'm too embarrassed to ask my doctor, "Does regular ejaculation keep prostate levels down?"ReplB> In many instances, a rising prostate-specific antigen blood test indicates prostate cancer. But not always. Levels exceeding four may reflect prostate inflammation. In addition, recent orgasm can cause a temporary rise in the PSA. Since your level is declining, you do not appear to have a problem, although I recommend that you undergo annual PSA screening.Thank you for reading my books. You also may find my newest book, "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet", interesting. The book is available in most bookstores or online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

Finally, my first (and favourite) book, "No House Calls", contains essays about medical issues. The book is, unfortunately, out of print.

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, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title.Dear Dr. Go I read about Digestive Advantage IBS in your column, found it at my local discount store and thought it would be worth trying. That was three months ago and, while the symptoms appear occasionally, the relief has been quite amazing.The key, I think, is regular use. Don't skip days. Be patient while the "healthy bacteria" get established. The few minor symptoms that remain are noticed infrequently. I am a believer!Re: Your letter is typical of the many I have received that confirm the usefulness of Digestive Advantage IBS in treating irritable bowel syndrome.You may be interested to learn that the company that manufactures Digestive Advantage also markets products to treat lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, gas prevention, psoriasis, arthritis and other conditions.To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Irritable Bowel Syndrome". Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to the address above. Be sure to mention the title.Dr. Gott is a practising physician and author. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 16.