Wondering if my boyfriend gave me an STI

Dear Pastor,

I am 19 years old and I am having serious pains when I have sex with my boyfriend.

I do not know what the problem is. I asked a lady, who is old enough to be my mother, what she believes is my problem. She asked me whether my boyfriend's penis is long and I told her that it is average size. She said I should go to the doctor to find out. I went to see the doctor and I explained my problem to him. Everything he asked me is what I experienced.

I have a burning in my vagina when I urinate. The doctor says that I might be suffering from some type of sexually transmitted infection. I know that I have not gone with any other man, and my boyfriend said he has not had sex with any other woman; I am the only one. So I do not know what the problem is. I know my boyfriend always tells me the truth. I don't know why he would want to lie now. The doctor told me that I should tell my boyfriend to come and see him, but my boyfriend has not visited the doctor.

Sometimes when my boyfriend and I finish having sex, I cannot move for a little while. Please advise me what to do.

F.A.

Dear F.A.,

I am not a medical doctor, but you did the right thing by consulting a doctor; and I want to tell you that I do not believe that your boyfriend is speaking the truth.

He is probably afraid to see a doctor. Some men do not like to go to see the doctor, even when they are infected with gonorrhoea. One can get gonorrhoea by having sex, and gonorrhoea is frequently seen in people who have more than one sexual partner.

People who have multiple sexual partners expose themselves to gonorrhoea. Sometimes the symptoms occur as a discharge of puss. The symptoms may occur within two to 10 days after one has been infected. If left untreated, the disease may spread and obstruct the flow of urine. Those who practise oral sex may even experience ulcers or sore throat. So, do not take your problem lightly. Go back to your doctor, and insist that your boyfriend go with you.

Pastor