Nine Circles Community Health Centre answers questions about sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections to get the word out. Please scroll through our posts about safer sex, transmission, testing, harm reduction, etc… to find what you are looking for. You can also browse popular keywords by clicking SEARCH. If you don’t see your question here click ASK to submit one for our Health Educators to answer.

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What are the window periods for each reportable STBBI (specific to MB) - syphilis, HIV, Hep B, Hep C, and CT/GC?

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) testing methods can vary depending on where you live. In Manitoba, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are reportable. This means that if you test positive, your results go to the … Read Full Answer

About 4 years ago I started sex life with my first and only partner (before that I had routine tests done, however I did not have STD tests done, assuming that since I was just starting having intercourses I could not have them,

We are glad you reached out to us with your concerns. It’s not easy to navigate these kinds of situations. It’s clear that you’ve been careful with your health, and it’s understandable that this experience is causing concern and confusion. Starting your sexual life with your first and only partner, it’s natural to assume that the risk of STIs … Read Full Answer

I recently had a sexual encounter with a massage parlour worker. I inserted one finger into a sex worker's vagina, additionally her vagina was rubbed up against my penis without any actual penetration but there might have been some vaginal fluids that touched the shaft of my penis but not the top/opening.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, so we’re happy to provide this information. Commercial Sex Trade Workers are no more likely than anyone else to have STIs, so we focus on the activities performed … Read Full Answer

How can I address people who are close-minded and start to talk about how they think that an HIV positive person (detectable or undetectable) is dangerous?

Scientific evidence has confirmed that most people with HIV who take antiretroviral treatment (ART) as prescribed can suppress the HIV virus in their body. When an HIV positive person maintains an undetectable level of HIV through medical care and medication, they cannot transmit HIV to someone else sexually, with or without the use of a condom.
Close-mindedness like you describe is a form of HIV stigma. Stigma is defined as negative attitudes … Read Full Answer

I’m a cis woman and my partners a cis woman. We had STBBI testing last week that was negative. What is the risk of having sex without a dental dam or finger cots? We’re our only current partners.

It’s great that both of you have taken the important step of getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If both partners have tested negative for all sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the risk of transmission during sexual activities is … Read Full Answer

Can you get herpes from rubbing your dick on a vagina without penetration?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that you can get from having sex with someone who has it. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with the infected area, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. So, yes, you can get herpes from rubbing your dick on a vagina even without penetration … Read Full Answer

Last week I went to an erotic massage parlour. I got a handjob (and she stayed clothed). I am not circumcised and had a razor cut at the base of my penis. I know that hand-to-genital contact is zero risk (HIV has to come from somewhere!) It wasn’t a major bleed, but she had a cut on her hand on the palm which I saw after the fact. It was hard for me to check my penis for blood.

We understand that situations like these can be tough to navigate, and we’re happy to help. … Read Full Answer

I had unprotected sex in October and got a UTI a week later. Everything was fine after taking medication. It’s January and I noticed a bump in my pubic area. I’m worried it may be an STD. There is only one bump and it’s on my outer labia.

Having a bump on your genitals can be concerning. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically do not cause bumps on the genital area and can have various causes, … Read Full Answer

I recently did 2 INSTI HIV self-tests within the past 6 months and it was negative both times. I was told by a few people that if the test is negative after 12 weeks and done properly there's no need to follow up for a lab confirmation. I waited 90 days after my first INSTI test was negative and the 2nd one was also negative. Am I all good or do I need a lab confirmation?

Congratulations on using the INSTI HIV self-test. This quick and simple tool is one more way that Canadians access to find out their HIV status. A self-test … Read Full Answer