Dear Counsellor:

I am a lesbian concerned about contracting AIDS. Do lesbians get AIDS?

Young and Free

Dear Young and Free:

From what we know about sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, it is clear that lesbian transmission is possible, and may be more common than we know. However, sexual transmission of HIV between lesbians appears to be very rare. Lesbian transmission may be possible, because there are some lesbians who use needles to do drugs and others who have sex with men also. Please remember that the only time you are totally free from becoming infected is when you don't have sex at all (you are abstaining).

Dear Counsellor:

I have very frequent vaginal infections and I fear this could be a symptom of AIDS? What do you think?

Concerned Woman

Dear Concerned Woman:

Many women have vaginal infections and they are not infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. As a matter of fact, most women will experience a vaginal infection at some point in their lives. Even virgin women can have vaginal infections. Yeast infections, for example, are not uncommon in women. However, yeast infection may become more frequent and severe in HIV-infected women because of the deficiency in their immune system. You must seek medical attention as soon as possible, so that you can be properly treated for this infection.

For more information on HIV/AIDS, condom use and other sexually transmitted infections, call the AIDS /STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444.