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 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

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