AIDS AFFAIRS

Is gonorrhoea dangerous?

Dear Counsellor,

Two weeks ago, I had sex with a man I met recently. He did not use a condom. This man has always been pressuring me for sex just because I live at his relative's house. He said if I don't have sex with him, he wouldn't allow me to stay at the house. I am very confused because I don't want to continue having sex with him as he is already involved with my cousin and church sister. The real problem, though, is that I am infected with gonorrhoea. Is gonorrhoea dangerous? I don't have money to purchase the medication. What if I'm not treated?

Unfaithful Church Sister

Dear Unfaithful Church Sister,

I am sorry to hear that you were pressured into having sex and now are infected with gonorrhoea. Yes, gonorrhoea is a dangerous sexually transmitted infection. Untreated gonorrhoea can cause serious and permanent problems to your reproductive organs.

Gonorrhoea can spread into your womb and fallopian tubes causing an infection known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can make a woman sterile (unable to have children). Any damage that happens before you are treated will last the rest of your life. Early treatment is very important. You should visit the nearest health centre to you and let the health-care provider know of your inability to afford treatment. You must ask to speak with a counsellor at the clinic so you can be counselled regarding your sexual health.

Recurring yeast infections

Dear Counsellor,

Could you tell me about yeast infections? I get yeast infections very often. My friend told me that all women get vaginal infections, so I have nothing to worry about. Is that true?

Worried Friend

Dear Worried Friend,

While it is true that most women will experience some form of vaginal infection at least once in their life, it is also true that in the adult female population, a vaginal infection is the most common reason for seeking medical attention. Women with yeast/vaginal infections may have an abnormal discharge, itching, burning, foul odour, pain, or irritation whenever they have sexual intercourse or whenever they urinate.

However, many women may have none of these symptoms. The three most common infections of the vagina are candidiasis, or "yeast infections"; bacterial vaginosis, or "BV"; and trichomoniasis, or "trich". If you are diagnosed with a yeast infection, it is important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully, and you must not share your medication.

Should I still keep my appointment?

Dear Counsellor,

A few days ago, I noticed a painless open sore on my penis. I went to the clinic and was diagnosed with syphilis. I got an injection and the nurse gave me an appointment for next month. I notice that the sore has gone away. The injection was a good one.

Tell me, do I have to go back to the clinic, especially since the sore has gone away. Can I start having sex now? The doctor had told me not to continue having sex until I was cured.

Want to Know

Dear Want to Know,

Yes, you must keep your appointment, and please follow other instructions given to you by your health-care provider. Just because the sore has gone away does not mean that you are completely cured. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that should not be taken lightly. If you are untreated, you may develop serious complications.

Your doctor is right. You should avoid having sex until the doctor tells you that you are completely cured. Remember that if you use a condom every time you have sex, you will reduce your chances of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

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 .