A service provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control
In the years since SmartSexResource launched, we have developed a library of questions asked by you, and answered by our expert sexual health nurses.
Our answered questions library cover a broad range of sexual health topics and common questions we hear at our clinics.
Hi
It is a good idea to wait until the area is completely healed back to new skin before you have sex.
If you are not using condoms, it would be a good idea to use one to lower the chances of getting or passing an STI.
Please leave a comment to let us know if that answers your question or if you need more information.
Health Nurse
For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.
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 sold in pharmacies here, it means they have been evaluated and approved for sale by Health Canda. This suggests there is enough evidence showing that they are an effective barrier for contraception and STI prevention.
We found some comments saying they are more stretchy then polyurethane condoms, but also that they are thicker. If you have a latex allergy they are definitely an option.
As with all condoms, personal preference factors into which condom works best for you.
Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more info.
Health Nurse
Hi.
It is difficult to give a number or percentage to the chances of getting HIV, because there are many factors that could come into play. There are things that can increase the chances such as a high amount of virus (viral load) in the blood, or having another STI at the same time. Likewise there are things that can lower the chances such as condom use or low viral load.
Condoms provide excellent protection against HIV if, as you note, they are used properly and they do not break or fall off. In your case it sounds like you are doing that, so your chances of getting HIV should be very low.
Look here for more info on proper condom use.
Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more info.
Health Nurse
Hi.
Some types of birth control including pills, rings, patches, Depo-Provera, intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (Mirena) don’t protect you from getting an STI.
Condoms or other barriers give good protection for most STIs. Condoms do double duty when they are used for both birth control and STI protection.
Click here to learn more about how to use condoms.
Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more info.
Heatlh Nurse
Hi.
The chances of getting or giving HIV from rimming are low. Blood on or around the anus or mouth could increase the chance of passing HIV.
There are other STIs that are more easily be passed through rimming including hepatitis A, herpes, syphilis and HPV. It is possible but not common to pass gonorrhea and chlamydia.
It is also possible to pass or get intestinal parasites.
Barriers, such as dental dams can provide good protection against STI’s.
Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more info.
Health Nurse
Hi.
Yes, it is possible to get HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from a sex toy if it is shared between people and a condom is not used, or if it is shared before it is properly cleaned.
For there to be a risk, the toy would need to come in contact with vaginal fluid, pre cum, semen, blood or rectal mucous.
Once outside the body HIV does not survive for long. There is a higher chance of passing HIV or other STIs when sex toys are passed directly between people.
Click here for more information on the care and cleaning of sex toys.
Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more info.
Health Nurse