Dear Counsellor:

I was diagnosed with trichomoniasis. I was given medication for my boyfriend but he has refused it. He said nothing is wrong with him. What should I do?

Confused!

Dear Confused:

Your boyfriend needs to know that a man with trichomoniasis ('trice') generally has no symptoms. He must take the treatment prescribed for him. If your boyfriend is not treated and you continue to have unprotected sex with him, you will become re-infected.

You may need to ask your boyfriend to visit the doctor with you so that the doctor can talk with him about trichomoniasis and explain the importance of taking the medication. Remember that sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are serious and can be prevented if you use a condom every time you have sex.

It is painful to urinate

Dear Counsellor:

I had sex with a new boyfriend three days ago and now I'm having pain in my vagina whenever I pass my urine. I'm also having a discharge that smells really bad. 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, because 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.

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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 1-888-991-4444; or write to AIDS Affairs, c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.