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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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

I had sex last night with someone who injects drugs. No condom. Should I go get PEP? (those are the meds to prevent HIV right?)

Post Exposure Prophylaxis medication is a tool we can use to prevent HIV transmission after an actual or suspected high risk exposure to HIV.  At Sex Friendly Manitoba we focus on the sexual activities performed and not the individuals involved.  Our answer would be the same if you had condomless sex with someone who does or doesn’t use drugs … Read Full Answer

I was tested for gonorrhea and Chlamydia 9 days after I had sex (wearing a condom) and the test results came back negative. Can the results be believed, should I go back?

One of your best defenses against STIs is the consistent use of safer sex supplies, including condoms and water based lube.  Seeing as you used a condom, you’ve taken a great step to protect yourself against transmission of both gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
Here’s a little info about what we call “window periods.”  … Read Full Answer