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.

I recently started dating someone who is HIV+. My anxiety is high and I’m not sure what to do.

Getting to know your partner’s HIV status takes away some of the fear and it’s normal to be anxious in these situations. Dating an HIV-positive person is … Read Full Answer

Is it risky to have a guy's pre-ejaculatory fluid on shaving cuts that don't present the exit of blood?

Thanks for the question. This would be considered a negligible risk situation. Negligible means lower than low-risk, but not zero risk. Intact skin (even with minor scratches or scrapes) is an effective barrier to keep most viruses and germs from entering our body … Read Full Answer

Can I get syphilis or HIV from a hand job from a parlour? She was fully clothed and didn’t touch herself. Should I get tested for STDs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not commonly passed through hand jobs (having someone masturbate your penis with their hands) and fingering (having someone masturbate your vulva with their hands.) … 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 included in an STI panel when doing the test at a Dynacare lab in Winnipeg?

An STI “panel” is a specific term used for testing blood borne sexually transmitted infections. An STI panel tests for Hepatitis B, HIV, and Syphilis.
An STI “screening” is more specific to the individual. … 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

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