I would like to know if it is posible for a merried couple to contract the AIDS virus from each other. What if the couple has unprotected sex and the woman bleeds vaginally onto her husband's penis -- can the virus be contracted this way? If this does occur, what can or should the coupl do?

--- Letanya

If either partner is HIV-positive, then unprotected intercourse at any time may lead to the transmission of HIV to the uninfected partner. If either partner is HIV-positive, the best way to prevent the uninfected partner from contracting HIV is to NEVER, EVER have intercourse without using a latex condom. Even a condom is not 100 percent protection against infection. For your best odds, use both a male and a female condom, and avoid intercourse completely if either partner is bleeding or has open sores.

You did not specify, though, whether either of you actually is HIV- positive -- that is, infected with the virus that causes AIDS. If neither partner is infected with HIV, then HIV cannot be transmitted under any circumstances. However, if a person has engaged in risky behavior (such as having other sexual partners -- male or female -- or engaging in intravenous drug abuse), then that person could be HIV-positive without knowing it, and safer sex (condoms) should be practiced always. A simple blood test can tell you whether you are HIV-positive; you can get a test from your doctor or a clinic such as Planned Parenthood.