Dear Counsellor:

Thank you for the wonderful work you have been doing. I read your column every week and find the information very useful. I'm pregnant and, although to the best of my knowledge, my partner and I have been faithful, I got really scared/fearful when I was asked to do an HIV test. What should I do?

Dear Scared Mother:

Thank you for your letter and for sharing your fears with us. I'm happy that you find the information in this column useful. It is normal for you to feel scared/fearful when you are asked to do the HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) test. Fortunately, when we admit our fears, active measures to win back good feelings can be started. If you and your partner have been faithful to each other, then there is no need to worry. On the other hand, all pregnant mothers and their partner should be encouraged to do an HIV test.

The Ministry of Health has a comprehensive programme in place to treat pregnant mothers who are HIV-infected, and also treat their babies at birth, so that mother-to-child transmission can be prevented. There is, indeed, a big gain to do the test while you are pregnant. However, before you get tested, you should be counselled. A counsellor will help you and your partner clear up some of the fears you may have.

Safer sex

Dear Counsellor:

I plan to become sexually active very soon and I want to make sure I'm practising safer sex. Is there a special brand of condom you could recommend for safer sex?

Dear Careful:

I'm glad you have decided to take on the personal responsibility of protecting yourself.

Different companies manufacture condoms and these companies used different brand names. The brand of condom you use should not be the important factor. Here is what is important and what makes sex safer using the condom:

❒ Use condoms that are made from latex.

❒ Practise consistent condom use by using a condom every time you have sex.

❒ Never unroll the condom before using it.

❒ Never reuse a condom.

❒ To maintain condom strength, store them in a cool, dry place.

❒ Do not use a condom after the expiry date. Some condoms carry only the manufacturer's date. A condom is good up to five years after the manufacturer's date.

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 Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston.