Do you talk to your doc? Does your doctor know your opinions on treatment, your hopes for your health, and any concerns that could affect HIV? They should. The more they know about you, the better care they can provide. Don’t presume one “get to know you” chat at the beginning of your relationship will suffice. Things always change.
I recently read about a survey that found some sexually active women cited “embarrassment” as a reason they haven’t had a recent Pap smear. Add to those respondents young women who don’t think they’re at risk for HIV and would be embarrassed to be caught carrying a condom. Oh my. If women are too embarrassed to go for a simple Pap test, is it any wonder that HIV is a tough conversation topic?
Ah, fall. The light is mellow, the nights are cooler and maybe you’re sidling up to a new fall lover. Pack your condoms, no matter what age you are. HIV can be more of a concern for post-menopausal women than you’d think. Spotty safer sex information, the perils of dating and a changing body can put you at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you might not have expected.
Fall will be sneaking in sooner than we know, and with it comes the annual AIDS Walk for Life on September 21. This year there is a new national sponsor (yay!) so it’s actually the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. Whatever you call it, BC Persons with AIDS Society hosts it, and you can join the PWN team to help us raise money for housing.
