Candid Conversations

Do you have a question about sex, relationships, birth control – basically anything related to sexuality? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Ask your question here, totally anonymously, and get a response within 7-10 days from one of HCS’ sexual health experts. It’s that easy! Click here to ask your anonymous question!

There is always a small chance that STIs can be spread unintentionally between partners as you describe. Transmission of STIs can happen through contact with infected vaginal fluids, semen, rectal secretions, blood, and also through skin to skin contact.That being said, the likelihood for transmission as you describe it is pretty low, unless there was a cut [...]

For men who are uncircumsized, free movement of the foreskin over the glans of the penis is the most pleasurable sensation- for both masturbation or for intercourse. The foreskin is there to protect the glans, and also provides some natural lubrication during self-stimulation or sex. Many uncircumsized men notice that their glans is very sensitive [...]

Candid wants to commend you on being such a patient and compassionate partner! Phimosis can be a very painful condition, and for a lot of men, erection issues may occur. The real damage with erectile issues can often come from one’s own psychological and emotional reactions to the issue, but also from one’s partner’s reactions. [...]

Depending on a woman’s natural cycle, missing periods can be caused by a variety of reasons. Are you under a lot of stress lately? Have you lost a significant amount of weight lately? Are you on, or just started any form of birth control recently? Have you been ill recently? All of these could be [...]

Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer for this question. There are various sexually transmitted infections that can be passed from person to person through oral sex, particularly when no barrier protection is used. Some of these STIs are bacterial and can be ‘cured’ with antibiotics, some are viral and can be treated, but never cured. The [...]

Candid is wondering about a couple of issues here. Sometimes, when penetration isn’t happening, it can simply be from a lack of lubrication. Ensure that your girlfriend’s vagina is properly lubricated (either naturally, or use some water-based lubricant like KY-jelly if more is needed). If this doesn’t help, or if the ‘tightness’ is still occurring [...]

Regardless of position, condoms are a great way to protect against pregnancy and STI’s when used correctly. They need to be put on before your penis comes into contact with your partners body and/or bodily fluids, and they need to be removed before your penis becomes flaccid (or soft) in order for leakage not to [...]

An IUD (or intrauterine device) is inserted directly into a woman’s uterus. Although the IUD itself is not felt once insertion takes place, a small amount of string will be visible inside of the vaginal canal. This string is attached to the IUD inside the uterus, and provides an opportunity for a woman and her [...]

A: As you know, Candid’s usual response would obviously be to go to a doctor to have this checked out. If you’re travelling abroad, did you purchase any travel insurance? Do you have access to any English-speaking physicians? Membership with International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers (IAMAT) will provide you the names of physicans [...]