Dear Counsellor:

Three days ago I had sex with my boyfriend who did not use a condom. I'm now experiencing itching from my vagina. It appears to be inflamed and I am also having a yellowish discharge. Do you think I have a sexually transmitted infection?

Worried Lover

Dear Worried Lover:

Yes, it is quite possible that you may have contracted sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since you had sex and did not use a condom. You must go to a doctor right away so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Even if the symptoms you are now experiencing go away, you will still need to see a doctor because sometimes you can get STIs and the symptoms go away but the germs remain. If these germs remain untreated you can become seriously ill. Please remember that if you use a condom every time you have sex this will reduce your chance of getting sexually transmitted infections including HIV the virus that causes AIDS.

HIV infection

Dear Counsellor:

I am very worried because my girlfriend was diagnosed with HIV three years ago. I only knew about her HIV status three weeks ago. I asked her why she kept it from me and she told me she was afraid that I would leave her and since I would be infected anyway she did not know how to tell me. I'm now confused. Do you think I'm infected also?

Confused

Dear Confused:

You may not be infected as not everyone who is exposed to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, become infected. Keep in mind, though, that this is very rare. You must stop having unprotected sex immediately, see an HIV knowledgeable counsellor so that you can be prepared for testing as soon as possible. Your girlfriend needs to know that even if both of you are infected you should not have unprotected sex because you will keep giving each other more of the virus and this will make you get sicker.

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.