Expert Q & A Answers About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Are sexually active teens at higher risk for STDs?

I have a friend who's 16 and sexually active...I was wondering if there are any physical risks involved in having sex that young.

Could I have an STD even though my Pap smear was normal?

I am sexually active and have been with more than one partner. Four months ago, I had a Pap smear and it came back normal. However, today I got a sports physical and my urine came back with bacteria. Since my last Pap smear, I have been with just one person and I know he hasn’t been with anyone else. Could I have an STD even though my Pap smear was normal? Do Pap smears detect STDs? I have not had any symptoms or problems.

Are there any health risks associated with anal sex for women?

I’m a woman, and I’m wondering if there are any health risks related to anal intercourse?

Is it possible to get STDs in a monogamous relationship?

I had unprotected sex before I met my current partner. I’m the first and the only partner of the person I’m with now. I recently went to a clinic to get myself tested and I have no STDs. If my partner and I just stick with each other (for sexual pleasure), can we still get an STD through unprotected intercourse or through unprotected oral sex?

I’m a gay man..what tests should I get on a regular basis?

I’m a 42-year-old gay man who is rarely involved passively (receptively), in protected anal sex encounters. My question is whether I should get certain medical tests/screenings on a regular basis. I check my HIV status regularly and I’ve received a vaccination against hepatitis B, but I’m concerned about the human papillomavirus infection, among others.  

I found HIV meds in my partner’s house. How do I talk to him about HIV?

I’ve been dating a young man for three months. We’ve had sex with a condom, and we perform oral sex on each other. Recently, I found prescriptions for drugs relating to HIV (Epivir, Norvir, Fortovase). My last HIV test a few months ago came back negative...but should I be concerned about contracting AIDS from my partner, and how do I approach him with this? Also, what are the necessary steps to find out whether I have been exposed?

How long after unprotected sex should I wait before getting an HIV test?

I had unprotected sex with a girl and I want to find out if I have HIV. How long do I have to wait before I get an HIV test?

Could I catch HIV by giving someone a blowjob?

I’m a teenager and I’m starting to wonder about my risks. I know you can get HIV through blood, but can you also get it through sexual fluids? For example, could I get HIV by giving someone a blowjob?

What are common symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

If you get HIV/AIDS, what is the most common thing you feel?

Is it possible to get AIDS from saliva?

Is it possible to get AIDS from saliva? My friend licked his finger while flipping the pages of a book and I immediately touched it, since I was explaining something. My thumb has a skin condition and has open cuts. My friend is gay and I’m not familiar with his sexual past. I heard that gay people are more likely to have AIDS - is this true? And if he does have AIDS, is it possible that I’m infected?