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Hi, I had a protected exposure 3 months ago with a sex worker of unknown status - assumed positive. I have done 4 tests since then all come back negative, last two tests were 8 weeks and 12 weeks (83 days to be exact) after the exposure the index values were 0.23 and 0.62 respectively, now I am a bit worried about the last test as it is significantly higher than the test before. I can't find a clear explanation on what this numbers mean and why they vary, can I consider my results conclusive...

Hi and thanks for question. I am afraid that I do now know what you are referring to when you reference index values. Here in BC, STI results are generally reported to clients and clinicians as positive or negative, reactive or nonreactive, or in the case of syphilis they may attach reference numbers to the results. Sometimes hepatitis results may indicate values, but these tests are not... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Testing

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Can I get STD if I deep kiss and sucking breast of a massage girl?I use condoms for vaginal and anal sex and do not use condoms for receiving oral sex.

Hi and thank you for your question. Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex are a great way to lower your chances of getting a STD. The trick with condoms is that they have to be used from start to finish of the sexual encounter, and they have to be put on correctly. Also, condoms only protect the parts that are covered. That means, infections that are transmitted skin to skin are still possible... Read Full Answer

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

Search more on: risks, transmission, deep kissing

How long after a chancre is visible does the RPR test positive?

Hi there and thanks for your question. If someone has a suspect syphilis chancre, one of the best tests to do is a PCR test from the actual chancre or lesion itself. Basically, trying to get a sample from the chancre itself is the best test to do during these early stages. One cannot always rely on the RPR test, or other syphilis blood tests to confirm a primary syphilis diagnosis.... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Testing

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Can HIV transmit through skin problems? I've been dealing with jock itch for a while. It's usually a red area with small bumps. It's usually itchy and I scratch it mostly. But it's not bleeding or I cannot see any 'open wounds'. I read so many things on internet that says 'If vaginal fluid contacts with non-intact skin, transmission may occur' But I do not know that what exactly is 'non-intact' skin? Is red skin can be considered as non-intact? Or, simply, does my jock itch creates enough...

Hi there and thanks for your question. There are many factors that lead to HIV transmission and the different risks associated with getting HIV. In order for HIV to be transmitted, you need to basically consider 3 conditions: 1) There has to be a person with body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal or rectal fluids, breast milk) containing good quantity and quality of HIV 2) An activity... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Risks and Transmission

Search more on: HIV transmission, 4th generation tests

Hi, Actually Im worried about the scenario that happened with me. So me and my buddy were sharing a joint together and my buddy is sexually very active and had sex with a lot of strangers so I don’t know if he’s HIV positive or not. Actually what happened was that we were in the car and he ignited the joint and took 4-5 puffs from it and then passed it to me right away . I smoked a lot instantly and then same thing passed it to him he smoked and finally I finished the joint. after that we went...

Hi there and thanks for your question. Based on what you have described, the likelihood of you getting HIV is very low. That being said, if you are at all concerned you can go and get and HIV test to put your mind at ease. In BC, it is recommended that everyone (regardless of their risks) be tested for HIV at least once in their life. Any time you have a change in your health, or you are... Read Full Answer

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Categories: STI Risks and Transmission

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