You’re asking about something we call contact tracing. That’s the process of identifying sexual contacts of a person with a sexually transmitted infection and ensuring that they are aware of their exposure, so that they can take steps to get tested. If a past sexual partner … Read Full Answer
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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First off, this may or may not be related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI.) Bodies and menstrual cycles are diverse, it’s best to see your doctor or an STI testing clinic … Read Full Answer
I read about u=u. OK, my viral load is undetectable. That apparently means that I will not transmit the virus during sex. Does this also apply if I share a needle?
U=U is great news when it comes to HIV prevention. In short, when someone living with HIV maintains an undetectable viral load, there is effectively no risk that they will transmit HIV to their partner through condomless sex … Read Full Answer
Does hepatitis C cure itself? How? Why? My mom had to get treatment, should she have just waited?
Hep C is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis C virus. When one becomes infected with Hep C virus, they may not have any symptoms and may not even know if they are infected … Read Full Answer
Can I get genital herpes on my mouth? Eeewww…
Having herpes does not mean that you are dirty. There are many people who are living perfectly normal lives with herpes. It’s about managing and knowing more about it … Read Full Answer
Is it okay to have sex with someone while you are on drugs?
Sex under the influence of drugs is a choice some people make … Read Full Answer
Why does it say not to use olive oil with condoms? It’s natural and I want to use it.
Adding lube can be a great way to enjoy sex. Lube is short form for lubricants and they are made from water, silicone or oil. There are many different varieties, … Read Full Answer
What does a herpes sore look like?
Some people experience mild and infrequent symptoms that are easy to mistake for something else. There are also people who have no symptoms at all. On the other hand there are people have noticeable blisters or sores. These look similar to a cold sore. The may also have tingling, itching, burning or painful sensations, and sometimes make it painful to pee. Most people … Read Full Answer
When I had a pap smear this year they would have tested me for sexually transmitted diseases right?
No, a pap smear does not test for STIs (sexually transmitted infections.) A pap test or cervical screening is recommended every 3 years in Manitoba and checks for cervical cell … Read Full Answer
Someone in my community has HIV. Can I get HIV from being in a sweatlodge with them? It's a long ceremony and everyone sweats a lot.
The two main ways that HIV is transmitted are through sex or sharing needles or other injection equipment. Sweat is not one of the fluids that can transmit HIV. You … Read Full Answer
Can I get an infection by smashing boxes? (Rubbing my vagina against another vagina)
Rubbing vaginas together without clothes (also known as tribbing, scissoring or smashing boxes) can potentially pass sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, public lice, and HPV. There may also be … Read Full Answer
I just do mutual masturbation, I don’t think I can catch anything.
Mutual masturbation is about seeking sexual pleasure between two or more people by touching, caressing, massaging or stroking the genitals of each other. Mutual masturbation is considered relatively safe and … Read Full Answer
Can I ever get an STI from kissing?
Kissing is a least risky sexual activity. Herpes (HSV 1 & 2) is the only STI that is know to spread through kissing. Herpes is one of the most common infections but the stigma around … Read Full Answer
I think I have a wart on my genitals, does this mean that I have HPV?
Lumps, bumps, rashes or sores in the genital area can be worrisome and it’s possible to mistake them for warts. However, warts are infectious and are caused by the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus.) … Read Full Answer
I know that the treatment for syphilis is a needle in the butt, but I'm terrified of needles. Are there alternatives treatments?
Fear of needles is very common, so you’re not the only one who feels this way about syphilis treatment.
There is an alternative for people who are allergic to penicillin, however it requires close follow up to make sure that treatment has been effective. For the rest of us … Read Full Answer
I had sex with this new guy a couple weeks ago and now I have a rash on my back, arms and legs. I haven't changed my soaps, and I know I don't have bed bugs. Did I get this from him? Is this an HIV rash?
Rashes are a pain. Symptoms like rashes though, are not used for diagnosing HIV or other STBBIs, as they may be caused by other infections or factors like soap or insects that you have mentioned … Read Full Answer
Why is gonorrhea treatment different for gay men and straight men?
There are 2 different courses of treatment available for gonorrhea and there are a couple of factors that determine which treatment will be the most effective … Read Full Answer
A buddy told me he doesn't use condoms because he always showers right after sex so he can wash off STDs. Is that true? If I wash up after sex, will I stay clean?
Let’s bust a common myth about sexually transmitted infections – they can’t be washed away after sex.
Showering is good for personal hygiene, but not an effective tool for preventing STIs (sexually transmitted infections.) Your friend is passing up … Read Full Answer