Hi Dr. Kate,

I was recently diagnosed with Trichomoniasis. My doctor gave me medication and it went away. I read in the pamphlet thing that came with the meds that it is an STD. Me and my partner are monogamous so how would I get an STD? My boyfriend had also recently been tested and all came out negative. Could that be because it is hard to detect? I had to go to the doctor twice before they got it right. I trust him that he isn't sleeping with any one else but contracting an STD makes me a little confused.

Triched

Dear Dr. Kate,

I have been sexually active for about 6 years now. Today me and my man had sex and I started bleeding during it. I think it might have been caused by the sex position--doggie style--because I also had the same problem with one of my exes. It seems like when we try that position it hurts more than usual--obviously not one of my favorites but it's one of his. How can I enjoy this position more without bleeding? Will this bleeding go away?

Bleeding From Behind

Dear Bleeding,

The position alone shouldn't cause bleeding, though that position can cause discomfort (from him hitting your cervix with the deeper penetration). So I think there's two issues...I think you should see your gyno to make sure that your pap smear is fine and that you have no vaginal/cervical infections (the most common causes of bleeding with intercourse). But the pain issue is a separate one. You don't have to try ANY position that makes you uncomfortable--or worse, in pain - no matter how much your boyfriend enjoys it. But if you want to try to make the position more comfortable, here are some things to think about...

Dr. Kate,

I had unprotected sex a few days ago (oral and penetration). I know it's stupid and I've been alternately kicking and lecturing myself ever since. What I'd like to know is this: how soon can I get tested for STDs? I don't mind going in several times to get the tests, since I know different things show up at different times, it's just I'd like to start getting answers to my worries as soon as possible. Thanks for your help.

Stupid and Worried

Dear Dr. Kate,

I have been on the Pill since the age of 18, and I am now 23. I requested the pill due to the fact I have extremely painful and long periods. The pill has been a wonder, but now I am concerned after reading that being on the pill for 5 or more years increases your risk of cervical cancer. I have only ever had 3 sexual partners, all of whom I used condoms with, and I am not in a relationship at present. I had a smear test done last year and everything was clear but am just a bit worried. I really don't want to come off the pill as I had 6 years of torture before being prescribed it. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Pill Lover

Dear Pill Lover,

The relationship between cervical cancer and the birth control pill is a tricky one. Some research has suggested that being on the pill makes it harder to clear the HPV virus if you become infected with it. And we know that HPV is the real culprit in cervical cancer. On the other hand, other studies have found NO relationship between being on the pill and developing serious pap smear abnormalities or cancer. So the truth isn't completely known yet.

What we DO know is that if you're screened regularly (pap smears every 2-3 years for most women), we'll pick up any abnormalities in your cervix in PLENTY of time to treat you before it turns into cancer. So if your paps have always been normal, and you always use condoms (which decreases your risk of HPV), I would stay on the pill. I wouldn't trade good birth control, and one that makes your quality of life so much better, for a theoretical risk.

Have any of you worried about your pap smears while on the pill?

Dear Dr. Kate,

I am a woman in my mid-30s, in love with and living with my boyfriend and best friend. One problem that often occurs when we have sex in the (for lack of a better term) "doggie-style" position is that if my boyfriend comes out of my vagina and re-enters, my vagina expands and feels loose. We also hear sounds that resemble passing gas or fluids coming from my vagina. Needless to say, this is quite distressing as it ruins the mood and we lose interest in finishing the act. I have tried to research this problem but have not found any way to prevent this from occurring.  Could you explain what is occurring and, is there anything or things we can do to prevent this situation?

Distressed

Dear Distressed,

I haven't heard patients talk about feeling "loose" in the situation you describe: my best guess is that you're really aroused (yay!) so your vagina has gone through the appropriate changes--she gets longer and a bit wider to better accommodate your guy. These are all good things.

With regards to the sounds, what you are describing is a very common occurrence during sex that's nicknamed queef or vart, as in vaginal fart. Think of the penis as pumping air into your vagina during thrusting. The air can sometimes escape audibly, producing those sounds. Sounds tend to be more common in the rear entry position due to the angle of penetration. It doesn't mean you're over- or under-lubricated, and doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your pelvic muscles.

If you can't laugh about the sounds together, and recognize them as simply the by-product of good sex, I think you have two options. You can alter how you have sex--think different positions, shallower penetration, or slower thrusting. If all else fails, turn up the music!

How do you feel about the...extra sounds during sex?

Dear Dr. Kate:

I was recently diagnosed and treated for trichomoniasis. Prior to finding out that I was infected, I used my vibrator almost daily. Now I am afraid to use it out of fear that it still harbors the bacteria. Since I've never had an STD before, I'm not sure what to do. Should I throw away my vibrator? I usually wash it with soap and water after using it--is that enough?

Triched

Dear Triched,

Good for you for taking excellent care of your toys! A thorough cleaning of your vibe with hot water and soap should be plenty. Trich, like most STDs, is not that tough to get rid of, and doesn't linger long on inanimate objects...the same reason that it's hard to catch an infection from a toilet seat. Please don't throw away your vibrator--not if you've found something that makes you feel good!

Have any of you worried about infections on your toys?