Dear Counsellor:

When I was pregnant I found out that I was HIV-positive. My boyfriend and I decided that we should have the baby aborted. This happened some years ago before the medication for preventing mother-to-child transmission became available. What surprises me though is that my boyfriend tested HIV-negative. Is that possible?

L.L

Dear L.L.

Yes, it is possible for you to test HIV-positive and your boyfriend (sexual partner) test HIV-negative. Not everyone who is exposed to HIV will become infected. However, having sex with an HIV-infected person is highly risky. Your boyfriend should consider himself lucky and he should start using condoms right away and remember the female condom is available also.

Dear Counsellor:

I am experiencing a milky white discharge from my vagina. Can you tell me if that means that I have a sexually transmitted infection?

Fay.

Dear Fay,

If you are experiencing a milky white discharge from your vagina that does not necessarily mean that you are infected with a sexually transmitted infection. However, you should see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If the discharge goes away you should still visit a doctor because that does not mean that the cause of the discharge is also gone.

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 Affair, c/o The STAR, 7 North Street Kingston.