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.

Does Hepatitis C infection have symptoms?

Most people during the acute phase of Hepatitis C do not experience any symptoms. In some cases symptoms do occur … Read Full Answer

An STI test is a pee test right?

There are a few different types of tests that health care providers use to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A pee test may be able to detect chlamydia or gonorrhea, but urine alone won’t give a complete picture of someone’s sexual health status. It’s recommended … Read Full Answer

How do I ask a partner about STIs without sounding like a jerk?

Talking with sex partners about sex can sometimes feel awkward. But the payoff is big when it includes avoiding sexually transmitted infections, gaining consent or having great sex! Here are some tips that might make asking easier … Read Full Answer

I am a 67 year old retired secretary who lives alone. I was married to one person for 28 years and have never used drugs. But now my daughter is telling me that people my age can heave Hep C and not know it.

There are many Canadians who are living with Hep C and don’t realize it, so testing guidelines are meant to find those undiagnosed cases. Canadians who were born between 1945 and 1975 who have never been tested are encouraged to be tested for Hep C … Read Full Answer

A nurse told me that I need to get treated for syphilis. What can I expect?

Syphilis treatment from a health care provider is one needle of antibiotic in each bum cheek during the same visit. Some people say it hurts, others report it’s not that bad. The best strategy to minimize pain is to relax … Read Full Answer

My girlfriend and I use a condom when we have sex because she doesn't want to get pregnant. We have anal sex without a condom, but my friend told me that infections pass that way too.

Using condoms for vaginal intercourse significantly lowers transmission of STIs like chlaymdia, gonorrhea, Hep B, HIV, HPV and syphilis and are a tool to prevent pregnancy. Your friend is right. Anal sex … Read Full Answer

If I get tested for STDs, how is my privacy protected? Who will find out the results?

In Manitoba most sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are reportable infections. This means … Read Full Answer

Is there a vaccine for Hep C?

Unfortunately there is no vaccine for preventing the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) which can lead to damage of the liver and other serious complications. The good news is that there is treatment for Hepatitis C … Read Full Answer

Is there a cure for chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can easily be cured. Chlamydia is caused by a sexually transmitted bacteria and is treated with a single-dose antibiotic. If left untreated … Read Full Answer

I've been married to my husband for 9 years. I read that everyone who is sexually active should be tested for HIV every 5 years. Is it really necessary for people like us?

You are correct that we recommend HIV testing every 5 years for sexually active Manitobans. Safer sex practices (including testing) are for all sexually active people regardless of their relationship status, gender, sexual orientation or whether they’ve ever had a sexually transmitted infection or not. Many people … Read Full Answer

Do I have to stop having sex if I have an STD?

The great news is that no, you don’t necessarily have to stop having sex if you find out you have an STI. Medication is available to cure most STIs, and even the one’s without a cure have medications or management strategies so that sex is still an option. … Read Full Answer

Can I ever re-use a condom?

No, condoms are a one time use item that should not be re-used. (Even with the same sexual partner … Read Full Answer

Can I get tested for HIV anonymously?

In Manitoba anonymous HIV testing is available at Nine Circles Community Health Centre in Winnipeg or with Brandon Public Health. Both locations can send … Read Full Answer

Someone said that I can get syphilis from injecting with used equipment. Is this true?

Syphilis, is mostly transmitted through condomless vaginal, anal or oral sex, mother-to-child during pregnancy and also skin-to-skin when one comes in contact with a syphilis sore/lesion … Read Full Answer

I was in a really gross public bathroom last week and sat on the seat. Can anyone get STDs this way?

Pathogens like bacteria’s or viruses that cause many STIs cannot survive outside the body, they start to die with the slightest change in their environment … Read Full Answer

What infections get passed through rimming?

Rimming is also known as anilingus, eating ass or eating out. During rimming partner(s) use their tongue to suck, kiss, lick or orally stimulate the anus of the partner. While giving or receiving anilingus can be pleasurable, it can result in the transmission of some sexually transmitted infections … Read Full Answer

Can I get an STI or pregnant from rubbing a penis on the outside of the vulva and ejaculating?

Body fluids like vaginal, semen, anal and blood are known to transmit STIs and there are other types that spread merely through skin-to-skin contact. So, rubbing a penis on the … Read Full Answer

If my partner has herpes around their mouth can I get herpes "down there" during oral sex?

Unfortunately the short answer is yes. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) moves easily from skin to skin.
HSV-1, the most common type, causes facial and genital herpes. Facial herpes (cold sores) are very common.
HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. … Read Full Answer