Ask Kayla Quinn

[September 9, 2008] -

Not at all, it is because the risk of transmitting STD's is less via oral sex than via vaginal sex. Some companies have a "Condom Only" policy when it comes to actual vaginal or anal penetration. Curious for more info? Here's a starting point!

Filming without current test paperwork is a violation of the rules BIG TIME! Any company that would ask a performer to film any type of hardcore with someone whose test is not current is not a company you want to be working for! A reputable company will not put its performers at risk.

[August 20, 2008] -

Aaron, your girlfriend should err on the side of caution and go see her gynecologist or family practitioner if there was any pain involved or if the problem persists. Without knowing how heavy the blood flow was, all I can do is speculate on the causes...and to be quite honest, there are so many possibilities of the cause of the bleeding, a doctor needs to be seen. Some of the common causes of bleeding during intercourse (other than menstrual flow) can be: trauma to the vaginal area (minor tears due to a rough jab by the penis or not using enough lubricant, tears to the labia, tears to the clitoris); std infections left unchecked (chlamydia is one that can rage through the body without other symptoms and leave the carrier sterile and can often manifest itself by blood flow during sex); if she was due to begin her period within a few days or just ended it, spot bleeding can occur; sometimes the bleeding you think is from the vagina is actually from the urethra instead.

While most women experience bleeding during sex at one time or another in their life, if there is even an inkling of pain involved, a doctor visit is a MUST! If the diagnosis is a tear in the vaginal tissue, antibiotic ointment will most likely by prescribed to prevent infection and speed healing.

[October 18, 2007] - Vaginitis is a name for swelling, itching, burning or infection in the vagina. Not all types of vaginitis are sexually transmitted. The most common kinds of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast, a fungus. Sometimes trichomoniasis (trich, pronounced "trick") is called vaginitis too. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasitic protozoa called Trichomonas vaginalis.

Extremely common, almost every woman will get one type of vaginitis or another in her life. Oh joy. I have jokingly said, "Having a pussy is like having a constantly open wound. It takes nothing to get it infected and forever for it to clear up once it is." While that comment has been made in jest, it is somewhat fitting.

The vagina has an extremely delicate pH range (between 3.8-4.5). All vaginas have bacteria in them. "Good" bacteria help keep the vagina a little-bit acidic. This keeps "Bad" bacteria from growing too fast. A healthy vagina makes a mucus-like discharge that may look clear or a little milky, depending on the time of a woman's monthly cycle. When the balance between the "Good" bacteria and the "Bad" bacteria is upset, "Bad" bacteria grow too fast and cause infections. Discharge may have a funny color or a bad smell. Sometimes these "Bad" bacteria and other germs that cause vaginitis can be spread through sex. Other things that can upset the balance of the vagina are:

• antibiotics (medicines)
• pregnancy
• douching
• damp underwear
• tight pants
• poor diet
• vaginal products (sprays, lubricants, birth control devices)

Let's break this down by type of infection:

Basic symptoms of a BV?

• a strong fishy smell, especially after sex
• white or grey discharge
• watery or foamy discharge

Some cases are so mild that women don't know they have it.

Basic symptoms of yeast:

• thick, white "cottage cheese" discharge
• pain, itching, burning, or redness around the vagina
• a smell like baking bread

Basic symptoms of trichomoniasis:

Ok trichomoniasis can affect both guys and gals, symptoms are more common in women (of course, seems to always be the way). Most guys with trichomoniasis do not have any signs or symptoms. However, some may have a temporary irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or a slight burning sensation after peeing or ejaculating. Women, on the other hand, get to deal with one or more of these symptoms:

• discharge that is green, yellow or grey
• a bad smell
• itching in or around the vagina
• pain during sex
• pain when peeing (urinating).

Think you might have vaginitis? Here's the drill for taking care of it:

• Schedule the exam when you're not having your monthly period.
• Don't douche 24 hours before your exam.
• Don't use vaginal sprays 24 hours before your exam.
• If you have sex less than 24 hours before the exam, use condoms.

There are ways to minimize your risk of vaginitis...

• Wash your vaginal area every day. Use mild soap. Rinse well and pat dry.
• Wipe your vagina and anus from front to back.
• Don't douche too often, this can upset the natural balance of the vagina.
• Take antibiotics only when needed. Antibiotics can kill "good" bacteria.
• Limit the number of your sex partners (hahahaha).
• Always use condoms with a new partner or with multiple partners.
• Wear cotton or cotton-lined underpants.
• Don't wear tight pants and don't wear panty hose in hot weather.
• See your health care provider if you have any unusual discharge or smell.

BV and yeast vaginitis are not sexually transmitted, so you need not announce it to the world or frantically try to contact past sexual partners to 'warn' them. Trichomoniasis, however, can be swapped back and forth. Make sure your partner(s) get checked out and treated if needed to keep from constantly re-infecting each other.

[August 18, 2007] - NO NO NO NO! I NEVER, EVER work with anyone who does not have current AIM paperwork! I will not put myself, my S.O. (Significant Other), or subsequent people that I work with in jeopardy by working without taking the basic precautions of verifying the status of their paperwork! AIM prints up our test results on paper that has their watermark on it, as well as alternating red and white stripes, and an embossed sticker verifying that it came from their office. If any 'red flags' are raised, I am quick to telephone AIM and get a verbal verification on their test status. The staff at AIM are BEYOND wonderful! I have actually gotten to know several of the office personnel outside of the clinic and count them among some of my closest friends. Not to kiss ass, but thank you, AIM, for keeping us all happy, working and SAFE! If you are industry or not and in need of testing for HIV, STD's or merely wish to discuss possibly entering in to the adult industry, I suggest you check out http://www.aim-med.org/. I know it can be frightening to admit you may need to be tested for STD's, but avoiding it won't make it ANY better!

[August 14, 2007] - Let's look at this from the outside... if you were dating someone for a few weeks, things got frisky... some heavy petty, some oral action and so on, THEN you found out there was a potential incurable disease in the mix. How would you feel? Betrayed? Angry? Scared? Probably. Yeah, telling before playing is ALWAYS my advice. As for HOW to tell: do not wait until clothes have hit the floor and the passion is flying! That just sends out a creepy vibe that one may possibly never get over. It is not necessarily "first date" material, but it is also not "we're already in the bedroom" stuff, either! It is something that needs to be approached delicately, but honestly. I would suggest having medical literature and/or pamphlets on hand to allay any fears would be to your advantage. Depending on the level of commitment already achieved, you might consider offering to make an informational appointment for you and your significant other with your medical provider. A chance for the three of you to sit down, voice concerns and get the facts together. By providing all of the data in an environment as low in stress and pressure possible, you are giving your potential partner the respect and tools needed for her to make an educated decision. Do remember a few things... 1) VALTREX is not a replacement for practicing safer sex. If you are taking VALTREX to reduce the risk of spreading herpes to your partner, there are a few important things you need to do: * Do not have sex when you get an outbreak or think you are about to get an outbreak. * Always use a condom when you have sex. * Take VALTREX every day as prescribed. (Further information can be found at Valtrex.com and 2). 99% safe may seem like wonderful odds, but no one wants to be that other 1% Good luck on this one and, truthfully, I admire your integrity!