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Always wondered what the difference is between AIDS and HIV? Can you actually get AIDS from a water fountain? Do you have questions about HIV/AIDS, love, life? Well, here's your chance to get advice and answers from an expert! But before you ask, check out the FAQ to make sure it hasn't already been answered! Not here? Check out the new Emails or the Ask Dr. John Archives. Click here if you want to Ask Dr. John your question.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers - Read this first Q&A example:
Q. Can you get AIDS from kissing?
A. No, there is no medical evidence that suggests there is any likelihood of contracting HIV/AIDS from kissing a partner including the deep kissing that some people refer to as “soul” or “French” kissing. That is the good news for teenagers. Saliva is a poor conduit for HIV transmission. Mononucleosis, a viral infection transmitted by deep kissing, and certain kinds of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases, a.k.a. STIs for “infections”) can be transmitted by deep kissing – but not HIV.
Because HIV is a virus that lives in hot human blood and some bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk, I would not recommend that two teens kiss each other if one or both are bleeding from cuts, wounds or injuries including bleeding from rough teeth brushing.
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Recent Questions From Teens
Question: This is sort of an awkward question to ask, but since I feel even more awkward asking someone else, I thought this would be the best place to go. I recently had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, and even though we used a condom (but then took it off in the middle of the act); I'm still a little eerie about being pregnant. As of today it has only been four days, so obviously I can't tell yet if I'm 'late.' Also I've heard that for at least two weeks after you finish your period you should be pretty safe with sex. Of course nothing is 100% except abstinence, but I was basically wondering if it's possible to know right away, without taking any tests, if he 'pulls out' am I more safe? Please respond as soon as possible, I've been paranoid since our act.
Age: 15
Dear Aanyah, thank you for your email. First, let me say that you must rethink your strategies and practices with sex at your age. You are correct when you say that only abstinence is 100% safe to avoid pregnancy, but no, it is never wise to have any unprotected sexual intercourse. Not only because of possible pregnancy but because of the risk of contracting HIV. You didn't mention that in your email yet you came to my advice column on a site that is all about HIV/AIDS and teens. To answer your question, no, it's not possible to "know right away, without taking any tests, if he 'pulls out'." In good conscience, I could not tell you that you are being "more safe" if your partner pulls out. Once it's in, the risk is there for both pregnancy and HIV. Please pass this information on to your friends. Good luck in school.
Dr. John
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