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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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

4 years ago I had multiple unprotected sex with hiv+ men (who is not on medication) then few weeks after I came up with sore throat, rash, headache, runny nose which all cleared up except for the runny nose that later turns to chronic sinusitis and ever since my health never been the same. I did 4 HIV tests (4th generation antigen antibody test) 1 came back indeterminate and the other 3 negative. Could HIV 4th gen give false negative after 4 years?

Good to know you got the tests done. Labs across Canada use 4th generation tests for screening HIV, which means they are 99 percent accurate by 6 weeks after infection. These tests are highly accurate and … Read Full Answer

What is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), and how can I avoid getting one?

There are many ways to help avoid getting a UTI, like peeing after any type of sexual activity (ex. penis-vagina intercourse, anal sex, or masturbation), wiping front to back, changing underwear relatively often, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding any irritant such as vaginal perfumes or non-pH balanced creams and soaps. 

Getting a UTI does not mean that a person is unhygienic. Lots of bacteria live on the surface of our bodies, clothes, and sex toys, and it can be quite common to experience a UTI at some point. It’s helpful to be aware of practices that can help us avoid getting UTIs, and to remember that it shouldn’t hurt to pee!  … Read Full Answer

Does being uncircumcised increase my risk of transferring STBBIs?

Although this data does exist, Canada Paediatric Society does not recommend newborn circumcision to reduce STBBI transmission. Circumcision is not recommended as an HIV prevention method in Canada. There are many other effective ways to reduce and prevent STBBI transmission, and it is not necessary to get circumcised in order to prevent transmission. … Read Full Answer

Are non-latex condoms just as effective at preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STBBIs as latex condoms?

All three of these non-latex condom options are just as effective at preventing pregnancy as latex condoms are when used correctly.
However only Polyurethane and Polyisoprene condoms also are effective at helping prevent STBBI transmission.
It is important to remember that any type of condom, even when used correctly, cannot prevent the transmission of all STBBIs. For example, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can be transmitted via skin to skin contact around the genital or leg area. … Read Full Answer