Dear Dr. Donna,

I had sex with someone last night and the condom broke. What should I do?

- Maria, Baltimore

You can ask a doctor for emergency contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy up to three days after sex without birth control. They are regular birth control pills and can prevent pregnancy. You should also get a test for HIV and other STDs. If you think or know a person has HIV, ask your doctor about anti-HIV medications.


Dear Dr. Donna,

Can I live with HIV?

- Juan, New York

While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, new combinations of HIV medicines can keep people with HIV/AIDS healthy for many years.


Dear Dr. Donna,

I'm 16. I want to get tested, but don't want anyone to find out. How can I be sure that the results of my HIV test will be kept confidential?

- Nicole, Miami

Keeping results confidential is the law, and in most states you can get tested on your own. Some testing sites also offer anonymous testing. Instead of asking for a name, they use and identification code.

Dear Dr. Donna,

I hate needles. Are there any other kinds of HIV tests available?

- Shaniqua, LA

Painless oral fluid and urine HIV tests are available. Results are ready within three to seven days and are as reliable as blood tests.

Dear Dr. Donna,

How often should I be tested for HIV?

- Shawn, DC

It's a good idea to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor or other health professional. But I generally recommend that people who are sexually active get tested every year during their annual check-ups. Don't forget to use condoms - the HIV test alone is not enough.



Donna Futterman, MD takes care of teens with HIV at the Adolescent AIDS / Risk Evakuation Program at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY.