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.

It has been more than 2 weeks since I had condomless sex with a sex worker, I fear contracting HIV, should I go and get tested for HIV now?

Having condomless sex with anyone can be a risk for contracting sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections including HIV. … Read Full Answer

Does everyone have HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that more than 70% of … Read Full Answer

I use a condom for all genital sex but not oral, what can I get by doing oral on a woman? What about a man?

Condoms are an effective prevention tool for genital sex, however unprotected oral sex on the vagina (cunnilingus) can transmit herpes, HPV and syphilis. A barrier such as a sex dam can significantly reduce your risk. Using a sex dam can be stimulating and fun, they come in several flavors and adding water-based lubrication can … Read Full Answer

Hi. I heard about something called an IUD for birth control. Does it work? Is it safe? Should I get one? How do I get one? Thanks

Sex Friendly Manitoba limits its answers to questions about sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Here are a few resources that could be of help … Read Full Answer

I am HIV positive and just had a baby. When will I know if my baby is HIV positive or negative?

Congratulations on your new family member! You are one of the many HIV positive parents who give birth every year! With medical care and treatment, it is expected that an HIV positive parent(s) are able to have a child who is HIV negative … Read Full Answer

A public health nurse called to tell me someone I had sex with has syphilis. They told me I should get tested, but I feel fine and don't have any sores. Do I really need to get tested?

Yes, go get tested. If a public health nurse contacted you, it’s because you were probably exposed to syphilis. Relying on symptoms is not a good idea because most people who have it don’t have noticeable symptoms. The only way to be sure … Read Full Answer

How can I tell if I have a sexually transmitted infection or a bladder infection? My vagina feels "off" (uncomfortable and burning a little.) There are no sores, itchiness or discharge...

The trouble with trying to analyze our own symptoms is that often sexually transmitted infections and other kinds of infections have similar symptoms.
In order to be diagnosed … Read Full Answer

I've been accepted into a university in Winnipeg, do I have to tell them I am HIV positive?

In most cases, there is no obligation to disclose (tell someone your HIV status) at universities or colleges. The only time when you are required to disclose is when there is a possibility of transmission. This largely applies to disclosure before sexual activity … Read Full Answer

I recently read that animals can get STDs like rabbits can get syphilis. Do I have to worry about catching it from my rabbit? she sleeps in my bed.

Like in humans, syphilis is caused by a spirochete bacteria. The syphilis causing bacteria in rabbits are different from that of human syphilis bacteria and thus cannot infect humans. Rest assured that your rabbit cannot spread syphilis to humans. … Read Full Answer

I heard that if you take aspirin you won't get HIV is this true?

Aspirin as a possible HIV prevention tool has been in the news recently and we are glad that you asked this question. A team of scientists are in the preliminary … Read Full Answer

I saw on the news that straight people are getting HIV and syphilis now. Is this true? What’s changed?

Like most infections, the prevalence and incidence of HIV and syphilis have often fluctuated. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) observed a notable increase in syphilis infections between 2017 and … Read Full Answer

Do my partner and I need to get treatment for STIs at the same time?

That’s a very helpful question and we are glad that you asked it. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are predominantly spread through condom-less sex with someone who has an STI. Often … Read Full Answer

My boyfriend and I began having sex a month ago. We've been using condoms, but this weekend he didn't have one so he just pulled out before he came. Then I peed right after sex. Is this safe?

Pulling out before ejaculation (coming) doesn’t help prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) because many bacteria and viruses don’t depend on ejaculation to pass from person to person. Many can be passed through pre-cum, vaginal fluids, anal fluids or skin to skin contact. We recommend STI testing for … Read Full Answer

My girlfriend keeps asking me to get tested for HIV because she found my needles. I use steroids, I've never used drugs like heroin or meth. I don't need to be tested for HIV, do I?

People who inject with needles (no matter what’s inside the needle) can be at risk of infections like HIV or Hep C if they are sharing any of their equipment or supply.
If you have ever shared steroids, needles, or other injecting equipment … Read Full Answer

Can someone get HPV from sharing a bath towel?

HPV is transmitted through sexual activity including penis-vagina intercourse, penis-anus intercourse, oral sex and genital to genital contact. Transmission through objects like towels, toilets seats, or underwear have not been documented … Read Full Answer

My balls are very itchy. Is this an STD? It started a few weeks ago and is getting really bad.

There are a few things that could be causing this symptom for you, but not all of them are sexually transmitted. … Read Full Answer

How long does it take for HIV to show up on a test result? I had sex with someone a year ago and got tested 6 months ago. The result was HIV negative 6 months ago. Should I get tested again?

What you’re asking about something we call a “window period.” The window period is time between potential exposure to infection and the point when the test will give an accurate result. The window period for the HIV test we use here in Manitoba is up to 3 months. … Read Full Answer

Does STD, STI and STBBI all mean the same thing?

STD (sexually transmitted disease)
STI (sexually transmitted infection)
STBBI (sexually transmitted / blood borne infection)
All three terms basically represent the same thing but have been updated to address stigma and accuracy … Read Full Answer