Sex Friendly Manitoba

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.

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

After syphilis treatment can I donate blood to anyone?

Although syphilis is primarily transmitted through person-to-person sexual contact, it may be transmitted by the transfusion of blood and … Read Full Answer

Hi, I recently had intercourse and bled after it. The second time I did not bleed, but 3 days later I am suddenly bleeding and it stings a little. What could this be?

There are many reasons why some bleeding and stinging could happen during and after sexual activity. Bleeding can be a result of an STI, but it could also be completely … Read Full Answer

What is prep? I heard it’s a medication to prevent HIV, is that true?

I am glad you’ve heard about PrEP, one of the HIV prevention tools available in Canada. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and is a tool for HIV negative people who are at risk of HIV infection to reduce their risk of becoming infected.
PrEP involves taking anti-HIV medications (antiretrovirals) on a daily basis. … Read Full Answer

Can I get a copy of my negative or positive test results for my records or to show my partners?

Your clinic or provider should be able to accommodate your request for copies of your test result. Patient health records are … Read Full Answer

I heard that there is self testing for HIV available in Canada? Can you tell me if I need a prescription to get it.

self-testing for HIV is now approved for use in Canada. It is a rapid self-testing kit, and they are not yet … Read Full Answer

Is it possible to get infected with two different STIs at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to get infected with more than one sexually transmitted infection (STI) at the same time. Having unprotected or condomless sex with a … Read Full Answer

Can I get a Negative result after I treat my syphilis?

In Manitoba, syphilis is usually diagnosed with a blood test for a specific antibody. This antibody is made by the body as a response to a syphilis infection. Once a person has been infected with … Read Full Answer

Whats the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing, but people often confuse the terms.
HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus … Read Full Answer

I got treated for syphilis and the nurse told me to come back in 3 months to get re-tested. Why do I need to wait so long to get re-tested, if they said the syphilis should be gone in 7-10 days?

You’re right, a syphilis infection generally takes 7-10 days to clear after treatment is finished, … Read Full Answer

I have never been tested for sexually transmitted infections. What do I need to know?

We’re glad you asked. We recently created a short video to answer this exact question! We recommend routine sexual health testing for everyone who is sexually active or uses injection … Read Full Answer

If my cis straight partner doesn’t wash his dick properly, can it cause an infection and other problems for me???

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not caused by poor hygiene practices but by unprotected sexual contact … Read Full Answer

I understand general screenings for STI is free in Canada but for herpes if you don't have any symptoms you need to get a blood test. Are these blood tests also free? Is it possible to get a blood test every week if you often have different partners?

Your willingness to get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and find more information on testing is a great step. You’re correct that STI testing is free in Canada, and … Read Full Answer

I recently tried meth for the first and last time. My friend who does it often said she cut her tongue on the right side, she thinks she bite herself, due to being high on meth. We shared a meth pipe and I wanted to know what are the risks of sharing that pipe ? Don't know if that was an actual cut on her tongue need to know if I should get oral testing ?

Sharing equipment like a meth pipe increases your chances of being exposed to an infection. Tiny amounts of blood from a cut or cracked lips can transmit … Read Full Answer

I am pregnant with my second baby, I was tested for sti’s routinely in October and it said negative. I was tested again a few weeks ago routinely as well in the pregnancy and it came back that I have Chlamydia.

A chlamydia test is done either through a urine sample or a swab of the cervix (or a swab of the urethra for people who have a penis.) You report being tested for STIs … Read Full Answer

Someone told me that when you're injecting meth, if you let someone else inject you (instead of doing it for yourself) that it's riskier for HIV and Hep C. If that's true, why?

This is a useful question, as people who are not sure how to inject for themselves, may have friends or other people inject them. Research has shown that this may increase the risk … Read Full Answer

If I'm on syphilis treatment and I touch my sore by mistake can I reinfect myself while being on medication...and is it safe to masturbate while on treatment for syphilis?

There’s not a lot of literature on this specific question, but if you’ve had syphilis medication recently, masturbation (sexually pleasuring yourself) does not pose any re-infection risk … Read Full Answer