It’s a myth sexually transmitted infections (STIs) only happen to some types of people. In reality it can happen to anyone whether they are scientists, a math wizard, an astronaut, or a doctor including those who … Read Full Answer
Tag: prevention
I hear that circumcision can prevent HIV. How effective is it?
Circumcision (the surgical removal of all or part of the penis foreskin) can be a tool to lower the community rate of heterosexual HIV acquisition over time with limited effectiveness. … Read Full Answer
Are the free condoms just as good as the ones in the store?
Yes! Free condoms from health clinics, schools, drop-in centres, and other community locations are just as effective as store-bought condoms. Sometimes these places have different varieties … Read Full Answer
Someone showed me a piece of paper with STI results. Do you actually print out results, and can I trust them?
Great to hear that you’ve had a conversation about sexually transmitted infections with a partner. Some clinics may offer a print out with STI results on it, while many others … Read Full Answer
Do spermicides break down condoms?
No, spermicides do not break down condoms. Some condoms even have spermicidal lubricant built into the condom. Spermicide … Read Full Answer
Hey. My doctor told me that I am immune to hepatitis. My boyfriend just told me he has hepatitis C. I can't get hepatitis C from him right?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and could be caused by some drugs, diseases, alcohol use, toxins and bacterial or viral infections. The most common cause would be viruses namely … Read Full Answer
I just arrived in Winnipeg from overseas and I would like to still get PrEP in Manitoba. Could you please let me know where to get a prescription?
Glad to hear that you are finding PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) an effective strategy to prevent HIV. PrEP is part of the toolbox we call Treatment as Prevention. Because you are in Winnipeg, you can come to Nine Circles Community Health Centre and talk to a testing nurse about starting PrEP … Read Full Answer
HIV can't pass from a woman to a man right? It's just man to man or man to woman.
Evidence indicates that the most common route of HIV transmission is sex. Condomless penis-vagina sex can put either of the partners at risk for transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. … Read Full Answer
What is the difference between HIV 1 and HIV 2?
HIV 1 and HIV 2 – both these types are transmitted in exactly the same ways, and people should adapt the same prevention methods … Read Full Answer
HIV lives in the blood, so does having sex with someone on her period increase my risk of getting HIV?
Whether the individual is menstruating or not, condomless vaginal sex, can be a risk factor for passing on sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) like … Read Full Answer
Is there a cure for HIV?
Unfortunately there is no cure for HIV, though cure related research is happening all over the globe. However, there is effective treatment for HIV that can improve a person’s immune … Read Full Answer
Are there any infections that can pass from a nipple to a baby in breastfeeding?
Some sexually transmitted infections affect breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or nurse about reducing the risk of passing the STI to your baby while breastfeeding: If you have HIV, breastfeeding is … Read Full Answer
Can I get STIs easier if I use an IUD for birth control?
IUDs (Intrauterine Devices) are a long acting, highly effective and reversible birth control method. The IUD itself does not increase the risk of STIs, but it also does not prevent STIs. … Read Full Answer
They used to say that you could share needles if you washed them out first. is that still true?
Sharing needles raises the risk of transmission of blood borne pathogens, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The most certain way of avoiding contamination is by … Read Full Answer
Am I at risk for sexually transmitted infections because I just got my tongue pierced?
After you get your tongue pierced you may be at a higher risk of HIV, Hep C, or bacterial infections. Piercings in the mouth and some dental work may need time to heal. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop having oral sex … Read Full Answer
Someone had "undetectable" on their online dating profile. I think that has something to do with HIV, but what does it mean?
You’re right, undetectable is a word that we use to describe when someone on HIV medications has a very low viral load. If someone is HIV positive they can manage … Read Full Answer
I hooked up with someone at a bath house. It was my first time with a guy, my wife doesn't know.
There are a few things to consider in this situation: STI prevention, testing and communication.
In terms of prevention, there are effective options for you no matter who you are sexually active with … 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
