Dear Counsellor:

I am feeling very terrible because about 10 days ago I had sex with a church brother and now I am experiencing a very painful sore on my vagina. Counsellor, it really should not have happened but we went to clean the church for service and, while we were there cleaning, the devil took the better of us. We made love passionately and, although right there and then, he promised to marry me, I am still feeling ashamed. Do you think the painful sore I am experiencing on my vagina is a cause for concern or God is just punishing me? What should I do?

Church Sister

Dear Church Sister:

The painful sore you are experiencing is indeed a cause for concern. Persons who experience painful sore on their vagina after sex must immediately check with their health care provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. By the way, how much do you know about your church brother's sexual health, who else is he having sex with? Remember you have a responsibility to protect yourself, every time you have sex, by using a condom. Sexually active persons who use condoms consistently reduce their risk of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, you must take charge of your sexual health.

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.