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 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 we’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?

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 sounds like you took steps to keep yourself and your sexual partner(s) safe in this instance. Correct and consistent use of condoms is a proven safer sex tool that protects from acquiring or passing many sexually transmitted infections … 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

If I have been treated for Trichomoniasis and it comes back a couple of weeks later, could I call my nurses from Nine Circles and ask them to send a prescription? or do I have to come in and get tested again?

Thanks for the question, we have a pretty clear answer for you. Clinicians at Nine Circles Community Health Centre will require an assessment with you which may include re-testing, before … Read Full Answer

Some BC authorities and others say 6 weeks is good for syphilis testing. Does Manitoba use the same tests?

This is a great question, because STI testing methods can vary province to province and are determined by provincial health authorities. Here in Manitoba there are a couple testing methods … Read Full Answer

Does nine circles offer NAT / HIV RNA testing?

Nine Circles does not offer NAAT / HIV RNA testing when routine screening for HIV. If you need to know your HIV status Nine Circles offers various forms of HIV tests. … Read Full Answer

Does deep french kissing transmit hiv? I did not feel any blood , is there possibility for presence of blood which I could not feel? does hand job done by person with her saliva as lubricant transmit hiv ?

Thanks for reaching out. We’re happy to inform you that HIV is not spread through saliva. Deep french kissing and using saliva as a lube for a hand job are … Read Full Answer