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How long after sex does std show signs in men
Hi It really depends on the sexually transmitted infection (STI). The incubation period for an STI, is the time it takes from when you first get an STI and when signs and symptoms would appear. Every STI has a different incubation period. Have a look at our “STI at a Glance” chart. It provides information on what symptoms to look for, incubation and window periods.   When someone gets an... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Symptoms

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Is it safe for your vagina to use coconut oil as a lubricant? I'm not concerned about condom use or STIs because I am married and on the pill. I use coconut oil for my hair and skin and I love it. And all kinds of websites are saying to use it as lubricant but is it safe? I don't want a gross infection.
Hi I haven’t been able to find any studies that have seen if coconut oil is safe to use as a lubricant during sex. This doesn’t mean it is not safe just that no one has studied it yet. I have heard of people that have used coconut oil during sex and have not had any problems. I can’t see why it would be any different than the other lubricants that are recommended for vaginal sex.  If using... Read Full Answer
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Categories: Your Body
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I was told that using flavoured condoms for oral sex is fine, but that they shouldn't be used for vaginal/penile intercourse. Apparently, they aren't safe for penetration because of the chemicals that are used to flavour the condoms. They can increase a woman's chances of developing a yeast infection and/or increase the risk of getting an STI. Is this true? I'm finding conflicting information about this online.
Hi I have not heard that flavored condoms will cause yeast infections or increase your chances of getting an STI. We use Durex flavored condoms and on their web site they say. “Durex flavored condoms are intended primarily for vaginal sex. However, if you choose to use them in oral sex, the lubricant is safe if ingested. We recommend if used in oral sex that a new condom be used for vaginal sex... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Prevention
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Hey, can I get syphilis from making out with someone who tested positive for syphilis? Are there any other kinds of STIs I can get from just kissing? Thank you.
Hi Syphilis sores can be in the mouth, so it is possible to get syphilis from deep kissing. But it is not a common way for syphilis to be passed.  Sexually transmitted infections (STI) like gonorrhea and Human papillomavirus (HPV) can also be passed with deep kissing, but they are also not commonly passed this way. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) or cold sores can easily be passed with... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Risks and Transmission
Search more on: syphilis, kissing

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What are the chances of catching an STI from receiving oral sex? What types of STIs can you catch from receiving oral sex?
Thank you for your questions. The answer will depend on a few things: First, if you are a man or woman receiving oral, second, if you are using any protection during oral sex and third, what kind of oral sex you are having. We have developed a Know your chances chart that breaks it all down for you. Please check out our Oral Sex Chart and leave a comment if you need more information,... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Prevention, STI Risks and Transmission, STI Testing

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How effective are polyisoprene condoms compared to regular latex condoms?
Hi. We have spent some time trying to find studies that actually compare polyisoprene condoms with other condoms. So far we haven't found any scientific studies. We are going to continue looking into this and hope to add some information to our site. In Canada, condoms are considered medical devices and therefore must meet standards set by Health Canada. Because polyisoprene condoms are... Read Full Answer
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Categories: Contraception and Pregnancy, Pleasure, STI Prevention
Search more on: condom, pleasure, allergies

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Hi. Can I get HIV from receiving oral sex with a sex worker? HIV and other STIs I got tested for after four weeks were negative. They told me I had an early HIV test and standard test and the results are 98% accurate. What is risk for me now? I am not on any medication and have good health, so can my results change after three month or do I need to get test again
  Hi We do not consider receiving oral sex as a risk for HIV. Therefore, you should not have to repeat the HIV test for the oral sex you got 4 weeks ago. However, it is possible to get other STIs when you receive oral sex. These include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, herpes and syphilis.  Your urine tests done at 4 weeks should have been accurate for gonorrhea, because most results... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Risks and Transmission, STI Testing
Search more on: oral sex, blow job, HIV, risk

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Hello, I have a question about my foreskin tearing (I'm uncircumcised). I noticed it the other day during masturbation. I noticed a little spot of red, and after checking carefully, noticed a slight tear at the base (underneath?) where it seems that there's a middle line (frenulum?) joining up with the foreskin. The initial irritation seems to have gone away for a couple days, but today while examining again, I noticed that I inflicted some damage just from self examining. I'm worried...
Hi there The frenulum is the stretchy band of skin that attaches the foreskin to the underside of the shaft of the penis. This area is very sensitive and can deliver a lot of pleasure. It is possible to tear the frenulum during masturbation and sexual intercourse. If the area tears over and over, scar tissue can form making the frenulum less stretchy. This in turn makes it more likely to tear... Read Full Answer
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What is the accuracy of the blood test for someone with HSV 2? Is it just as accurate when the person has HSV 1? What is the accuracy of a blood test for someone with HSV 2 who has never had symptoms? Are there different types of blood tests that can be done for HSV 2? what are the differences?
Hi there There are two blood tests done for HSV, the Eliza and the Western Blot. The Eliza test is the one offered by the BCCDC Provincial lab.  The Western Blot, done by the national microbiology lab, is only offered to pregnant women who may have had an exposure to HSV. With the Eliza test, there is some cross-reactivity between HSV 1 and HSV 2. That means if your test result is positive for... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Risks and Transmission, STI Testing
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Can you have sex with a condom within the 7 days u were given to get treated with the chlamydia pills
Hi To be on the safe side we recommend that you do not have sex until: - one week after your 1-day treatment; or - your 7-day treatment is complete, and - your sex partner(s) have also been treated, even if their test results are negative. Chlamydia is passed between people through unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex. The bacteria can be found in semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids... Read Full Answer
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Categories: STI Treatment
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