Sex Friendly Manitoba - Your Questions about Sexually Transmitted Infections, Answered!

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.

My roommate accidentally used my chapstick and 2 days later I realized she had a cold sore on her lip. I wanted to know if sharing of chapstick or lipstick spreads herpes. I have heard that the herpes virus is highly contagious.

Sharing lip balms has the potential for transmitting herpes, even though this is not a common way herpes spreads. Sharing chapstick or lipstick should be avoided to reduce risk of transmission. … Read Full Answer

Hi I just received oral sex from a prostitute in Hong Kong while on vacation. I used a condom but I am still afraid of STDs. Should I be worried?

It sound like you did everything you could to keep yourself and your sexual partner(s) safe. It is good to know that you used a condom during the sexual contact. Correct and consistent use of condoms is a proven safer sex tool that protects from acquiring or passing on many sexually transmitted infection (STIs). … Read Full Answer

Is herpes hereditary?

Herpes is not hereditary. It’s not passed genetically from parent to child. People get genital or oral herpes from skin-to-skin contact with someone who is shedding the herpes virus (most … Read Full Answer

Should I clean my sex toys even if I use it only once every few months?

Manufacturers of sex toys recommend cleaning after each use to reduce the chances of microorganisms living on their surfaces. If you are not sharing your sex toy and only using … Read Full Answer

If I have been treated for Trichomoniasis and it comes back a couple of weeks later, could I call my nurses from Nine Circles and ask them to send a prescription? or do I have to come in and get tested again?

Thanks for the question, we have a pretty clear answer for you. Clinicians at Nine Circles Community Health Centre will require an assessment with you which may include re-testing, before … Read Full Answer

Some BC authorities and others say 6 weeks is good for syphilis testing. Does Manitoba use the same tests?

This is a great question, because STI testing methods can vary province to province and are determined by provincial health authorities. Here in Manitoba there are a couple testing methods … Read Full Answer

Does nine circles offer NAT / HIV RNA testing?

Nine Circles does not offer NAAT / HIV RNA testing when routine screening for HIV. If you need to know your HIV status Nine Circles offers various forms of HIV tests. … Read Full Answer

Does deep french kissing transmit hiv? I did not feel any blood , is there possibility for presence of blood which I could not feel? does hand job done by person with her saliva as lubricant transmit hiv ?

Thanks for reaching out. We’re happy to inform you that HIV is not spread through saliva. Deep french kissing and using saliva as a lube for a hand job are … Read Full Answer

Hi I had an protected encounter with a CSW. After sex I did not check closely the condom state but it looked intact but...

Click “read full question and answer” for more … … Read Full Answer

I am 70 and yes, I still enjoy sex! Some people think there's an age limit for sex, but you'd still test me, right?

You’re right! There is no age limit for testing for sexually transmitted infections. Since you are sexually active, STI testing is a great way to take care of your sexual health … Read Full Answer

I have been treated for gonorrhea in the past and I am pregnant now. Do I need to get tested again?

We are glad that you got your sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosed and treated in the past. Most STIs including gonorrhea are easy to treat, cure and prevent. … Read Full Answer

How long does it take to get STI test results? I was just tested yesterday and am waiting to hear back.

Great to hear you got tested for sexually transmitted infections, now to await the results. Depending on the type of test … Read Full Answer

I heard that STIs are on the rise, so does it mean people are not using condoms?

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are on the rise. STIs are very common and are easily diagnosed, treated and preventable … Read Full Answer

Can I (a male) have children despite the fact that I have both HIV and Herpes?

Yes, you absolutely can become a parent with HIV and herpes. HIV treatment can allow you … Read Full Answer

Hello, I am not very well versed in HIV Transmission potential. I have had a monogamous relationship all my life since highschool, got married to the same person and have 2 ...

Click “read full question and answer” for more … Read Full Answer

I got treated for syphilis but my boyfriend doesn't want to go to the doctor. What should I do?

Glad to hear that you are managing your sexual health through testing and treatment. Getting treated for syphilis once does not make you immune to re-infection … Read Full Answer

Can people get more than one infection at once?

Condomless sexual contact with a person who has more than one STI, may result in transmission of one, many or none at all. … Read Full Answer

Before I immigrated to Manitoba, Canada I had never tested for Hep C in my country, should I get tested for all STBBIs including Hep C?

Testing for Hep C is generally recommended if one has had a history of using unsterilized or inadequately sterilized medical, dental and surgical equipment … Read Full Answer