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
Tag: STI testing
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
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
If an old boyfriend of mine got diagnosed with syphilis, I'd get a phone call from a nurse right?
You’re asking about something we call contact tracing. That’s the process of identifying sexual contacts of a person with a sexually transmitted infection and ensuring that they are aware of their exposure, so that they can take steps to get tested. If a past sexual partner … Read Full Answer
Sometimes I have an itchy vagina and an increased amount of discharge, which seems to happen before my period. But some months I don't have these PMS symptoms...
First off, this may or may not be related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI.) Bodies and menstrual cycles are diverse, it’s best to see your doctor or an STI testing clinic … Read Full Answer
What does a herpes sore look like?
Some people experience mild and infrequent symptoms that are easy to mistake for something else. There are also people who have no symptoms at all. On the other hand there are people have noticeable blisters or sores. These look similar to a cold sore. The may also have tingling, itching, burning or painful sensations, and sometimes make it painful to pee. Most people … Read Full Answer
When I had a pap smear this year they would have tested me for sexually transmitted diseases right?
No, a pap smear does not test for STIs (sexually transmitted infections.) A pap test or cervical screening is recommended every 3 years in Manitoba and checks for cervical cell … Read Full Answer
Can I get an infection by smashing boxes? (Rubbing my vagina against another vagina)
Rubbing vaginas together without clothes (also known as tribbing, scissoring or smashing boxes) can potentially pass sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, public lice, and HPV. There may also be … Read Full 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
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 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
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
My boyfriend and I began having sex a month ago. We've been using condoms, but this weekend he didn't have one so he just pulled out before he came. Then I peed right after sex. Is this safe?
Pulling out before ejaculation (coming) doesn’t help prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) because many bacteria and viruses don’t depend on ejaculation to pass from person to person. Many can be passed through pre-cum, vaginal fluids, anal fluids or skin to skin contact. We recommend STI testing for … Read Full Answer
