Dear Counsellor:

Each month just before my period I have intense itching in my groin area, I went to the doctor and he sent me to do a VDRL test. What is a VDRL test? My husband is suggesting that I am sleeping around because that means that I have some kind of sexual disease. Counsellor I know that I'm a faithful wife so I need you to enlighten me about the VDRL test.

Faithful Wife

Dear Faithful Wife:

A VDRL test is a screening test for syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) usually transmitted by unprotected vaginal, anal, oral sex with someone who is infected with syphilis. I must encourage you to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It is always important for you to know whether you are infected with an STI because STIs are serious and must be treated promptly. It would also be wise to discuss with your doctor his reasons for sending you to do a VDRL test, be sure to tell him about your husband's accusation and perhaps you should take your husband with you for the next visit to the doctor.

Can one contract HIV/AIDS from kisisng?

Dear Counsellor:

Would you consider kissing a boy a possible way to get AIDS?

Young and Free

Dear Young and Fear:

There are no documented cases of HIV infection known that are suspected to be transmitted by kissing, however small amounts of HIV the virus that causes AIDS have been found in the saliva of some infected persons. We recommend that you avoid wet or deep kissing that involves exchange of saliva and which could also cause the presence of blood through bruising of delicate/soft tissues around the mouth. It is important to note that casual kissing, such as between parents and children, poses no risk for HIV infection.

For more information. Call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at1888-991-4444 or write to AIDS Affairs, c/o the Star, 7 North Street.