Aids Affairs

Dear Counsellor,

I have a boyfriend and when we just met we both decided that we would use a condom whenever we have sex. However, I have found out that he is a clean man. His body is soft and he smells very clean. He is also very tender with me. In addition, and most importantly, he spend a lot of his time with me. I do not see him having time to run around. In truth, I do not think he has any disease. Counsellor, he is so careful, he wouldn't even rub his penis near my vagina without the condom on. I want to stop using condom because he is a clean man and there is really no need for condoms. Is there any word of caution?

Adoring Girlfriend

Dear Adoring Girlfriend,

Your boyfriend would be taking a big risk by rubbing his penis on your vagina before he puts the condom on. First, the fluid that comes out of the penis before ejaculation is likely to get you pregnant if you are not ready to be pregnant; then there is the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Remember, you cannot tell by looking, so even if your boyfriend looks clean that is not sufficient proof to say he is free from STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Unless you are absolutely sure that you are both free from STI and HIV, the condom should be on from the moment the penis is erected and, most importantly, before any contact with each other's genitals. In the case of the female condom, that can be inserted earlier.

Dear Counsellor,

Each month after my menses, sores comes out on my vagina, near to my anus. I went to the doctor and he sent me to do a test for herpes. I was surprised when he sent me to do such a test. Frankly, I would not be going to do any herpes test. I do not see myself infected with any disease. What are the symptoms of herpes?

Clean Lady

Dear Clean Lady,

First, let me encourage you to follow your doctor's instructions carefully or get a second opinion. It is always important for you to know whether you are infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Remember that sexually transmitted infections can be serious and must be treated promptly. Therefore, all sexually active individuals should get checked for STIs at least once a year, while at the same time using condoms for every sex act to prevent STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For genital herpes, a person may notice itching or pain in the genital area, a burning sensation when urinating, or a vaginal discharge. Usually within a week, small, painful blisters like sores appear on the vagina, cervix, urethra or anal area in women, and on the penis or around the anus in men. Some persons with herpes may also experience flu-like symptoms (such as fever, sore throat, headache and tiredness). Others may not have any symptoms for years.

Dear Counsellor,

Can you tell me about yeast infections? I get yeast infections very often. Since all women get vaginal infections, do I need to be concerned? Let me tell you, the discharge and odour is worrying and sometimes embarrassing, especially when I have intercourse. What are some of the symptoms of vaginal infection that should be of concern to women?

Concerned Female

Dear Concerned Female,

While it is true that most women will experience some form of vaginal infection at least once in their lives, it is also true that in the adult female population, a vaginal infection is the most common reason for seeking medical attention. Women with vaginal infection may have an abnormal discharge, itching, burning, foul odour, pain or irritation whenever they

have sexual intercourse or whenever they urinate. Women should be concerned about all vaginal infections until they have sought medical assessment. Remember that prevention is better than cure. It is important to note that many women may have none of these symptoms. The three most common infections of the vagina are candidiasis or yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or 'BV', and trichomoniasis or 'trich'. You did not mention if you had gone for a medical assessment. If you have not, you should do so as soon as possible.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764, 1888-991-4444 (toll free).