Dear Counsellor:

My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with HIV. I love him dearly and don't know what to do. Is it possible for us to have sex without him infecting me?

Concerned Girlfriend

Dear Concerned Girlfriend:

Yes, it is possible to have sex with your boyfriend and do not get infected. However, there are some precautions you must take. Bearing in mind that the main route of transmission for HIV is through:

Unprotected sexual contact (oral, vaginal, anal) with an infected person.

Sharing needles with an infected person.

From an infected mother to child during pregnancy, during birth or shortly after birth while breastfeeding.

Therefore, for you to prevent infection you must use a condom every time you have sex. Remember, a condom is the only barrier that is now available to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

I was raped and afraid to go to the doctor

Dear Counsellor:

I am writing to you but I am feeling really terrible. I was raped and I am really afraid to go to the doctor. What are the chances that I got infected with HIV?

Raped Victim

Dear Raped Victim:

I am very sorry to hear that you went through such as ordeal. In the case of rape the possibility for blood or semen getting into your bloodstream is highly possible and therefore is a risk for HIV infection. Post exposure prophylaxis is recommended for a person who is raped. Therefore, it is very important for all rape cases to be reported. I am not sure how long ago you were raped but I still recommend that you see your health-care provider right away so that you can be tested and treated accordingly.

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. A trained counsellor is available to help and remember, the service is completely confidential.