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Hi, My partner and I are deciding whether or not unprotected sex might be an option for us. We are both up to date on usual STI tests and I use a copper IUD as contraceptive. However, in the past we have both had unprotected sex so technically speaking, we could have been exposed to HPV. Knowing this, should I change how regularly I get my Pap test done? For that matter, does having multiple partners change how frequently you should get pap smears? Thanks!

Hi, and thanks for your question You do not need to increase or change how frequently you get PAP screening done. The BC Cancer Agency sets these guidelines based on the current research and best practice. Their recommendation currently is for screening every 3 years after the age of 25. If they find anything unusual or atypical on a PAP test, they will make a recommendation for more frequent... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Information, STI Risks and Transmission, STI Testing

Hi, I have a concern regarding getting HIV. I had unprotected oral sex about a week back with a sex worker, who has been in this profession for a few years and is well-reviewed. I am freaking out now about getting HIV. Can you please advise what are the chances of getting HIV after receiving unprotected oral sex and when should I get tested (3 weeks i guess)? I did not have any sores on my genitals, and apparently she did not have any ulcers, wounds etc in her mouth, but of course, I am not...

Hi, and thank you for your question The chance of getting HIV from oral sex is extremely low as indicated in our Know Your Chances charts and on our HIV and AIDS information page. If you are sexually active, we recommend getting tested routinely (every 6-12 months) for all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. The best time to test for HIV is... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Information, STI Prevention, STI Risks and Transmission, STI Testing

Search more on: HIV, hiv testing, sex worker, prostitute, oral sex

Can I get hiv while rubbing my genital with someone else while wearing thin clothing? The other person was also wearing underwear.

Hello, and thank you for your question. HIV is transmitted through blood and body fluids, and cannot be passed through casual contact, skin to skin contact, or through clothing. For more information on a variety of sexually transmitted infections please visit STIs at a Glance or for info about transmission risk check out Know your Chances. Please let us know if this does not answer your... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Information, STI Prevention, STI Risks and Transmission

Search more on: sti information, HIV, sti prevention, sti risk

I recently had unprotected sex and immediately after I was sore. Within 5-10 hours a developed a thicker yellowish/green discharge and it became uncomfortable to urinate. I’m wondering if it’s possible to have symptoms of an STD this early? And can an std be passed from my fingers to a mans genetalia? Thank you.

Hi, and thank you for your question It would be pretty unusual to develop symptoms of an STI that quickly after possibly being exposed. A very likely culprit of the soreness you felt might have been due to friction and not enough lubrication during insertive sex. Sometimes adding some extra lubricant can really help with comfort and with preventing damage to the skin such as small tears.... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Information, STI Risks and Transmission, STI Symptoms

Search more on: STI symptoms, painful urination, discharge

I am from Bangladesh. have some stupid mistakes in my life and I am paying heavily for this Episode. #1 october 29,2014 I had protected vaginal sex with a female csw.I also french kissed her.Later found the girl HIV +.After 5 weeks I experienced severe flue type illness.Swollen lymph nodes under jaw and neck,loose stool,hedeach,severe muscle and joint pain,rash on both arm. I have tested after 3 months with 3rd generation rapid test,after 5 months with 3rd generation elisa, after...

Hi there, and thanks for writing in. The window period (time between when a person comes in contact with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and when the STI will show up on a test) for HIV is 3 months. If you have had a negative HIV antibody test 3 months or more after the encounter, this means that you do not have HIV. Actually I can see that you have written to us previously with... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Information, STI Risks and Transmission, STI Symptoms, STI Testing

Search more on: HIV, HIV test, hiv testing, hiv symptoms, anxiety

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