Dear Counsellor:

I had sex for the first time recently and I wonder if I caught something like a sexual disease. What should I do if I think I have such a disease?

First-Time Teen

Dear First-Time Teen:

If you think you have a sexual disease (a sexually transmitted infection), see a health care provider right away. It is important for you to know that visible symptoms of sexually transmitted infection will go away even without treatment. left untreated, you could develop long-term or permanent complications. However, seeking treatment early will help to minimise the long-term effects of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You should also avoid sexual contact until you are fully cured.

Dear Counsellor:

Last year, I was treated for gonorrhea and was fully cured. Counsellor, I was surprised earlier this month when I went to the doctor just for a little itching at the tip of my penis and was told I was infected again with gonorrhea. Counsellor, I did not know I could get an STD more than once. Is that possible? Can gonorrhea be cured?

Cheating Husband

Dear Cheating Husband

It is indeed possible for you to get an STI over and over so long as you continue to have sex with an infected person. Just because you got infected and were fully cured does not mean that you are "immune" to STIs. You must protect yourself at all times.

Yes, gonorrhea can be cured. Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be cured, but you can get them again. Others such as those caused by a virus, the herpes, human papilloma virus (HPV), the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot be cured and may remain in your body forever.

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.