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.

What's the best way to prevent HIV?

Great question, with lots of answers. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing HIV, rather there are many tools that work for many people. When choosing the right option for you … Read Full Answer

I met up with a guy at a bath house. We had an agreement that he would use a condom. He put one on, but afterwards I noticed the condom was removed. What do I do now?

There are a few services you may want to access to check your sexual/physical health and perhaps manage your mental/emotional health … Read Full Answer

I work over nights in a home to care for 2 residents. One is HIV positive. They told me not to wear latex gloves when I am working with him or helping him in the bathroom. Is that true?

HIV is not transmitted during casual contact or skin to skin contact. Helping someone use the bathroom is not a mode of HIV transmission. The two main ways … Read Full Answer

Can I use Doxycycline antibiotics daily as prevention for syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia?

The short answer is no, you can’t use Doxycycline antibiotics daily to prevent syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia. Currently, there are research studies and clinical trials digging deeper into your question … Read Full Answer

I feel I might be having an STI, but I am scared to go to the clinic because of the COVID-19 situation. Is there any way I can reach out to testing at Nine Circles?

We have modified our testing services to meet social distancing recommendations. Until further notice, we are only doing STBBI testing and treatment for people who require immediate services based on a phone assessment with an STI Testing Nurse … Read Full Answer

Does having a vasectomy lower my risk of STIs?

A vasectomy is very effective in preventing pregnancy, but it will not prevent STIs … Read Full Answer

As someone living with HIV, what do I need to know about COVID 19?

Here are a few sources I’d recommend about COVID 19 for people who are living with HIV or have HIV positive friends … Read Full Answer

I am undetectable but recently found out my bf has trich , will he catch the virus because of the trich?

Thanks for your question. I assume that you are talking about being HIV positive and having an undetectable viral load. Taking your HIV medications as prescribed and maintaining an undetectable … Read Full Answer

Can I borrow a shaver to a person who is HIV positive?

I’m happy to tell you that borrowing a shaver (whether it’s a razor or an electric shaver) is not a risk of HIV exposure. The HIV virus does not live … Read Full Answer

Is trichomoniasis only transferred sexually? Is there any way either gender can develop the infection on their own? Can it lay dormant for years? I'm in a long term relationship, 5 yrs in and I developed trich. He is the only partner I've had since the day we met.

Trichomoniasis is virtually always sexually acquired. Even though there is some evidence that trich may survive on items like towels, cases of transmission through household items has not been well documented … Read Full Answer

Can I get HIV or Hep C from someone who accidentally spat a little saliva droplet into my eye while they are talking with me?

We are glad that you reached out to us. From what you describe you should not be at risk of transmission of HIV or Hep C because both these viruses … Read Full Answer

I have been reading into the Western Blot test for HSV (herpes) diagnosis through the University of Washington. It says it's deemed the gold standard for HSV testing. Can this test be ordered through your clinic? I am willing to pay out of pocket. I would like to test if I have herpes.

PCR testing (through swabbing a sore) is the testing method used to accurately confirm herpes where a sore is present at testing. PCR tests are used routinely for people who present with a sore … Read Full Answer

How can you test for HIV in a dried blood sample if HIV dies quickly outside the body and is not a risk for transmission?

Typically for HIV, there needs to be direct blood-to-blood contact for transmission to occur. You’re asking about Dried Blood Spot Testing (DBST) which is one way to test for viruses like Hepatitis C and HIV … Read Full Answer

I had unprotected sex with someone who later found out they were positive for herpes (HSV2.) I have not experienced any symptoms as of now and it's been 20 days following our contact. What are best steps I can take to get myself tested accurately if I have not displayed any lesions?

Your willingness to get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is a great step. We’d recommend a full STI screen … Read Full 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