Dear Ann Landers,
Wiser makes a good case for not wearing un-derpants to bed. Cystitis among women is extremely common at all ages. It is gener-ally accepted that the reason for this is the relatively poor tissue defense WAKE U I* AND SMELL THE COFFEE! I 7 7 mechanisms and the tendency for bacteria to colonize in the moist areas of the genitalia. Bubble baths, sexual activity, the use of sanitary napkins and tam-pons, and the wearing of underpants to bed may be suspect in a patient who develops recurring lower-urinary-tract infections. Perhaps urologists have not been as aware as they should be of the higher incidence of cystitis among women who wear underpants to bed. It certainly would seem that underpants would favor the growth and migration of bacteria among women who have a tendency to have bacteria colonize in the genital area. Incidentally, I am sure your male readers will be pleased to receive this news. Sincerely yours, -Joe Kaufman, M.D.

Dear Joe,
Thanks on behalf of the women you've helped today- and the men, as well. Dear Ann: I have a rather delicate problem, and I hope you can help me. My wife is 55 and has always enjoyed excellent health. She had surgery several weeks ago, and I believe she enjoys talking about her operation far more than she enjoyed her good health. When we have guests or are out in company, she takes the floor and bores everyone to kingdom come with the details of her operation. She carries the gallstones in a bottle and has them handy in her purse. I've told her this is in poor taste, but she says it makes "interesting conver-sation." Am I wrong? -The Mouse Dear Mouse: There's nothing more boring (and in worse taste) than a person who grabs the floor for an "organ recital." Those who get knee-deep in details of their aches and pains don't realize that the audiences couldn't care less. If your wife's crowning achievement in life has been to produce a few gallstones, I send her my deepest sympathy.