Dear Counsellor:
A few months ago I had the flu, it went away then came back with a fever and dry cough that just would not go away. After many visits to the doctor and repeated treatment my doctor decided to do the HIV test. I was shocked when my results came back positive for HIV. I am still trying very hard to believe my doctor's diagnosis. I only have sex once in a while and when I do I only have sex with one person. Could my doctor's diagnosis be wrong?
Jerry
Dear Jerry:
I am very sorry to hear that you tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It is highly unlikely that your doctor's diagnosis is wrong. Having sex with only one person or how often you have sex does not necessarily mean you cannot contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You could have only one sex partner but but that person may have had sex with other persons in the past. It is not only your sexual behaviour that puts you at risk for sexually transmitted infections but also that of your partner. For persons to be free from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, they must talk openly with their partner before getting sexually involved. Now you must use a condom every time you have sex so that you prevent re-infecting each other.
Sex with yeast infection
Dear Counsellor:
My doctor has been treating me for yeast infection. Is it okay to have sex while taking treatment?
M.K.
Dear M.K.:
It is better to postpone having sexual intercourse even with a condom until you have completed the treatment exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication/treatment may contain substances which could cause the condom to break. Since vaginitis, that is inflammations of the vagina which includes yeast infection, usually causes irritation of the external genitalia, there might be breakage of the skin from constant itching. This can facilitate easier transmission of HIV, the virus which causes AIDS. Therefore, put off sex until you are fully treated and cured. You should also know that having sexual intercourse while having a vaginal infection may only irritate and prolong the infection.
Can I get STI from oral sex?
Dear Counsellor:
Is it possible for me to get sexually transmitted infections from oral sex? I like to perform oral sex on my girlfriend.
Mike
Dear Mike:
Yes, you can get sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS from oral sex. That means you should practise safer sex if you want to perform oral sex. Here are some suggestions: You can use household plastic wrap (the kind you use to wrap food in); dental dam (a square piece of latex material) or cut open and flatten a condom. Place any of these items on the area of the genital you wish to kiss, lick or nibble. The effectiveness of these in blocking sexual fluids/body fluids that contain HIV or other STIs would depend on whether or not they adequately cover the area of contact and if they are not punctured. These items should never be used more than once.
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