Dear Counsellor
I met a beautiful woman a little over a year ago and we are now engaged to be married in another six months. I have a big problem though. We both decided that we want to enter into this marriage relationship with a clean bill of health, and so we decided to get a complete medical check.
To my surprise my test came back positive for HIV and my fiancés test came back negative. I should tell you also that we have never had unprotected sex. I have not told her the result of my test. I told her I have not got it back as yet. I know I cannot keep on telling her that. Do they sometimes make mistakes with the test results? Do you think I should just disappear?
Worried Lover
Dear Worried Lover:
Before you can tell anyone that you are infected with HIV the virus that causes AIDS, you must begin with yourself. Have you come to accept your test results and understand what it means to be infected with HIV? Of course it is not easy. But there are some things that will help you in telling your partner about your HIV status. Once you know what your partner needs to be told, you will be better able to tell her in your own way and at the right time. It is extremely important that you see a counsellor as soon as possible. Disappearing is an option, but you may just be burdening yourself with fear, guilt and secrecy. It is very unlikely that they have made mistakes with your test result, but you should discuss it with your health care provider.
Stealthy clap
Dear Counsellor:
A Few days ago I started itching and experiencing a pus-like smelly discharge from my vagina. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with gonor-rhoea. How could I have got gonorrhoea? My boyfriend does not show any symptoms of gonorrhoea.
J.K.
Dear J.K.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection. It is transmitted from one infected person to another during sex (oral, vaginal and anal). It is important for you to know that many men and most women who are infected with gonorrhoea do not show any symptoms.
Your boyfriend should see a doctor right away. Please be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not have sex while taking medication.
Remember also that if you use a condom every time you have sex this will reduce your chance of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS.
For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444 or write to AIDS Affairs c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston
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