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What are the signs of genital warts?

Dear Counsellor:

I have been hearing a lot about genital warts these days. Could I be infected with genital warts and shows no sign at all? How would I know if I'm infected? Can a pap smear tell whether I'm infected?

- Lorie

Dear Lorie:

Thanks for your letter. In some cases it is difficult to know if a person is 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. Sometimes 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 the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus causing genital warts, is present, though a Pap smear is not a test for HPV.

If you think you may be infected with HPV or any other sexually transmitted infection you must see a doctor right away. Remember also that if you use a condom every time you have sex this will greatly reduce your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS.

Must I have sex without a condom?

Dear Counsellor:

I need your help. I no longer feel comfortable having sex with my partner without using a condom but he refuses to use the male condom and he does not want me to use the female condom. His reason is that we must trust each other. I really don't trust him. What should I do?

- Worried

Dear Worried:

Your partner must know that taking personal responsibility to prevent infection with sexually transmitted infections has nothing to do with trust. Many people are infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV and they themselves don't even know. The use of condoms is the best protection for persons who are sexually active.

You may need to introduce condoms in a romantic way in order to get your partner's support, if not tell your partner you don't trust him then it will be very hard to get him to use the condom. Your challenge is to help your partner to realise that condoms can be an enjoyable part of sexual activities. You may need to get some help from a counsellor; one who is knowledgeable about matters relating to sexually transmitted infections.

Can I be HIV-positive and sexually active?

Dear Counsellor:

I tested HIV positive two years ago and I still have a great desire for sex. Tell me; is there sex after HIV? I'm confused because I have always thought that once you are HIV infected you lost the desire for sex. Should I really get involved sexually again?

- Paula

Dear Paula:

Yes, there is sex after HIV. Some people feel that they would never have sex again after HIV infection. However, for most people this feeling changes after a few weeks or months. If you choose to have sex you must know the risk and how to reduce them. Your sex partner(s) must be told that you are infected with HIV. Your partner(s) must be able to make informed decisions. You and your partner(s) must be fully aware and understand the importance of condom use every time you have sex. Condoms make sex much safer, but there is still risk if the condom is not used properly - the correct way.

What is happening?

Dear Counsellor:

I'm very worried that I might have AIDS because more than half of my hair has fallen out from the root. The texture has changed and it is very pale and lifeless. I use to have thick, beautiful hair. I'm a 40 year-old female and I started noticing the change some six years ago. My legs use to be muscular and my skin was not as dry as it is now. I have done the HIV test more than once and they were all negative. I don't know what else could cause this problem. I'm worried that I may have some incurable disease. Can you tell me what you think may be happening to me?

- J.N.

Dear J.N.:

Remember you cannot diagnose HIV the virus that causes AIDS by the symptoms you are experiencing. Those symptoms could be the symptoms of many other illnesses, which is curable or treatable.

The fact that your HIV tests were all negative should help to reassure you that you are truly negative as only the HIV antibody test can tell your true HIV status. I'm suggesting that you see a health care provider as soon as possible so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

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