Dear Counsellor:

I was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection but I have been treated. I took all my medication and feel well again. How soon should I resume sexual activity?

Anxious

Dear Anxious:

I'm happy to hear that you have taken all your medication because some people stop taking their medication as soon as the symptoms they are experiencing disappear, which is bad. It is important for you to know that even if symptoms of sexually transmitted infections go away without treatment, or if symptoms go away halfway through the treatment, that does not mean that the germ causing the infection has also gone away. Therefore, the medication must be taken until it has been finished.

With regard to when you should resume sexual activities you can start now, but the most important thing, however, is that you will now have to practise safer sex. If you refuse to protect yourself during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, then you stand a great chance of becoming infected again with sexually transmitted infections. This time, you could be infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Remember, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. You must, therefore, use a condom every time you have sex.

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.