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Menstruating and sex

Menstruating and sex

Dear Counsellor:

My boyfriend enjoys having sex with me when I am menstruating and to be honest with you, that is the time when I really feel sexy. Should a woman engage in sex during menstruation?

- June

Dear June:

Your boyfriend should avoid having sex while you are menstruating for the following reasons:

* During a woman's period, her genital tract is extremely vulnerable to infection since the mucous lining of the womb is "raw" and unprotected.

* Poor personal hygiene or introduction of any object into the vagina carries the potential to introduce germs, which can increase the tendency to develop pelvic infections.

* Levels of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS in the vagina increase at the time of menstruation because of the presence of blood and other cell associated viruses.

Scared to get an HIV test done

Dear Counsellor:

I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with vaginal thrush. My doctor recommended that I get tested for HIV. I am worried. Is vaginal thrush associated with HIV and AIDS?

- Maria

Dear Maria:

Vaginal thrush is a very common vaginal infection and most women will experience vaginal aids_affair infections at some time in their lives. Even virgin women do. Your doctor may just be giving you a routine medical check-up. Please follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Remember your health is very important, don't allow your fears to prevent you from getting proper medical care.

What is scabies?

Dear Counsellor:

I had intense itching in my groin area and a rash. I went to the doctor and he told me I have scabies. What is scabies? How did I get it?

- J.J.

Dear J.J.

Scabies (itch mites) is the name given to an infection of the skin by a small insect called itch mite. They are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

These mites are usually spread during the close skin contact of sexual intercourse, or from the clothing or bedding of infected persons. Please follow your doctor's instructions regarding treatment carefully. Note also that after treatment for scabies, itching may persist for several days, but this does not mean that the mites are still present. To prevent re-infection, your sex partner may also need to be treated.

Dear Counsellor:

I had a very bad encounter. I was raped and so I hated men. I was always very worried and confused because I thought my sex life had come to an end. However, my girlfriends introduced sex toys to me and now I am feeling differently. Tell me, can a person get sexually transmitted infections from sex toys?

- M.M.

Dear M.M.:

I am really sorry to hear of your ordeal. You must be reminded that not all men are rapist. You may need professional help to get you to realise that there are some very caring men still living in our society.

Using sex toys could be a risky activity if you share them because they could be covered with traces of blood or vaginal juices. When inserted into a partner's vagina or anus they could pass HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Any sexual activity, which leads to breaks or cuts in the lining of the vagina or anus can create a risk if infected blood or vagina juices enter these cuts. Penetration with toys, fingernails or hands can also cause cuts in the vagina or anus.

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