Dear Counsellor,
I have been in a relationship with this girl for the past six months. We both want to become sexually active. She is insisting that we use condoms, but counsellor, she is the only partner for me right now and so I cannot see why she is talking about this condom thing. Do you think the condom is necessary since we are both committed to each other?
Ronny
Dear Ronny:
Your girlfriend is right. She has known you for some time but she does not know your HIV status. The fact that you have been in a relationship for some time is not enough to say you should go ahead and have unprotected sex. Any one of you could have been infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infection from past relationships.
I suggest that you go along with your girlfriend and practise safer sex by using a condom every time you have sex. Both of you should also get tested for HIV so that you know your HIV status in this new relationship. In doing this you will both be protecting each other's sexual health.
Can I catch AIDS by oral sex?
Dear Counsellor:
I perform oral sex from time to time on my wife. Oral sex is not something that I like or enjoy I just do it to please her. However, I have reason to believe that my wife is cheating on me. You see she is crazy about oral sex and she will do anything to have it done. Can I catch AIDS from oral sex?
Worried Husband
Dear Worried Husband:
Yes, you can get HIV the virus that causes AIDS from oral sex. You will need to start performing safer sex. I'm suggesting that you use a dental dam (a piece of square latex material), plastic food wrap, a condom or a latex glove, these can be cut to produce a flat sheet.
Also avoid brushing or flossing your teeth up to two hours before or after oral sex to minimise abrasions. Be aware of bleeding gums, cuts, sores on or in the mouth. If these are present avoid oral sex, try another option.
Practising safer sex is extremely important to both you and your partner's health. That is because HIV and other sexually transmitted infections can be found in vaginal fluids and semen. Be consistent with condom use; since you have reason to suspect that your wife may be cheating then you should think about not only safe oral sex but also vaginal sex or any other sexual activity you may perform.
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 1888-9914444 or write to AIDS Affairs, c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.
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