Dear Counsellor:

I had sex with a new boyfriend three days ago and now I am having pain in my vagina whenever I pass my urine. I'm also having a foul-smelling discharge. Can you tell me what is wrong?

Worried Lover

Dear Worried Lover:

From what you described you may be infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You must visit a doctor as soon as possible so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. In the meantime, you must not have sex. If you do have sex, you stand a chance of infecting your partner and you may also get other STIs. Follow your doctor's instructions and remember that if you use a condom every time you have sex this will greatly reduce your chance of becoming infected with STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Is there a possibility that I may not be HIV infected?

Dear Counsellor:

I had been managing on my own as a single parent for nine years. I recently met a man and decided that I would pursue what I thought might be a promising relationship. Last week he told me that he has a medical problem that he wants us to talk about. We both went to his doctor and found out that his ex- wife died of AIDS and that both of us may have been exposed. I am devastated. Is there a possibility that I may not infected?

Devastated Lover

Dear Devastated lover

Yes, there is a possibility that you may not be infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Although very rare, there are persons who have had sexual relationships with HIV-infected persons and don't get infected. I know your concerns and fears are very reasonable but I am suggesting that you try to be as calm as possible while you seek to find out your HIV status. You must start practicing safer sex. use condoms every time you have sex, as this will greatly reduce your chance of becoming infected or re-infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many people don't know that even if both partners are infected with HIV or other STIs they should still use condoms every time they have oral, vaginal and anal sex.

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.