Features

Preventing vaginal infections

Dear Counsellor:

I have been having repeated vaginal infections, but recently I went to a doctor and got some help. Vaginal infections can be really irritating. How can I prevent future vaginal infections?

E.T.

Dear E.T.

This is a question that has been asked frequently. Here are some hints:

Avoid douching. Douching upsets the normal balance in the vagina and might lead to development of bacterial vaginosis.

Avoid using perfumed soaps and feminine hygiene sprays. They can irritate the vagina.

Wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.

Avoid wearing tight, hot clothing that can trap moisture and create a good growth environment for infections. Ask your health care provider about treatment for your partner.

Boyfriend doesn't want condoms

Dear Counsellor:

I'm 21 and recently met this very handsome man. It was not hard to fall in love with him. I also find it hard to refuse to have sex with him. The problem though is that he does not want to use a condom.

He thinks that because I asked him to use a condom I don't trust him. I don't know what to do because my main problem is that my ex-boyfriend died from AIDS.

I'm not sure I'm not infected. I'm afraid to get tested. What should I tell my partner?

Afraid.

Dear Afraid:

Your partner must know that preventing the spread of disease doesn't have anything to do with trust. Many people are infected with HIV and they themselves don't even know. Your boyfriend must know also that if you both choose to have sex, using a condom is the best protection for both of you.

Again, a large part of a couple's sexual feelings depends on what they are accustomed to. If your partner, with your support, makes the effort, condoms can be an enjoyable part of sexual activities. On the other hand, you must speak with an HIV knowledgeable counsellor as soon as possible.

Remember that although you may have been exposed to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, that does not mean that you are infected. You can only know your true HIV status if you do the test.

Can sex toys transmit STIs?

Dear Counsellor:

My husband died four years ago, and I have decided not to get sexually involved. My main reason for not wanting to get sexually involved again is that there are many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) around these days.

However, recently I was watching a television programme and they were talking about sex toys. They even had some examples on the programme.

Can a person get sexually transmitted infections or AIDS from using sex toys?

S.T.

Dear S.T.:

Thanks for your letter. Using sex toys could be a risky activity if you share them because they could be covered with traces of blood or vaginal juices.

It is always best not to share your sex toys. In situations where condoms can be used on sex toys they (condoms) should be used especially if you share toys.

Signs of genital warts

Dear Counsellor:

My husband was diagnosed with genital warts. The doctor told me that I may be infected also, but I have no symptoms.

Could I be infected with genital warts and show no signs at all? How would I know if I'm infected? Can a Pap smear tell whether I'm infected?

Concerned wife.

Dear Concerned Wife:

In some cases it is difficult to know if you are infected with genital warts. Sometimes people do not notice warts because they are inside the vagina, or on the cervix, or in the anus.

In addition, they are often flesh-coloured and painless. Only rarely do they cause symptoms such as itching, pain, or bleeding. Sometime warts will be found during a physical exam in men or a pelvic exam in women.

For women, an abnormal Pap smear may be the first warning sign that HPV is present, although a Pap smear is not a test for HPV. You must see a doctor as soon as possible since your husband tells you he has genital warts. Please follow your doctor's instructions.

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.