Sexual health and well-being

The terms STD and STI are commonly used to refer to infections that are transmitted sexually. More recently, you might have also heard of STBBI, which also refers to infections transmitted through contact with blood or blood products. On this page you will see us using the broader term STBBIs.

Sexual health means more than just protection from sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) and unwanted pregnancy. It’s about your overall health, well-being and relationships. On these webpages, you’ll find the information you need for safer, healthy sex. Have a confident and healthy sex life by using contraception (including condoms), getting tested regularly, and having good knowledge about sexual health.

Getting tested is simple, confidential and is a normal part of having a confident and healthy sex life. As many STBBIs have no symptoms, regular testing is the only way to know if you have an STBBI. The good news is that most STBBIs are easily treated, especially if diagnosed early.

Don’t want to talk about it? Healthcare professionals are trained to have conversations about sexual health, and have them everyday with individuals who have different experiences. Whether it’s your doctor, nurse practitioner, public health nurse or a pharmacist you can trust these professionals with your health care needs and experiences.

Starting the discussion about safer sex can be difficult with a health-care professional, a trusted adult, or your partner, especially if they are new.

Starting the conversation about safer sex can be awkward – especially with a new partner. Here are a few ice breakers to get the conversation started:

Best practices when dating is at your fingertips 

Dating apps are a popular way to meet new people but make sure to use caution when using online dating apps. Not only because you’re getting to know someone new, and outside your usual social network, because web-based dating sites may use false profiles. A person may not be who they say they are or live where they say they do. Some services may also have hidden or misleading terms and conditions to bait you into paying for their services.

For more information visit: Online dating – know what you’re signing up for - Canada.ca

Protect yourself:

• Be suspicious when someone you haven’t met in person tells you they love you. Ask yourself – would someone I’ve never met really say they love me after only a few emails?
• Be wary when someone you meet on social media wants to quickly move to a private mode of communication (snapchat, email, text).
• Do not share personal (birthdate, address) or financial information with anyone you’ve only just met online or in person.
• Never send money or pay fees to claim a prize or to win the lottery, and never send money to someone whose identity you cannot confirm.
• Do not transfer money or give your credit card number or bank details over the phone if you don’t know and trust your contact.. If you did transfer money or suspect you’re a victim of fraud, file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.

When/if you decide to meet someone:

• Be clear about your expectations and ensure that you are both on the same page.
• Meet in public, stay in public.
• Do not meet for the first time at the person’s home, or invite the person to your home.
• Meet at the public location instead of accepting a ride from the person you are meeting.
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and who you are meeting.
• If you become uncomfortable with the date or the person, leave.
• Always trust your gut.

Information and Support Services for victims of Domestic Abuse. If you and your children are in immediate danger, call 911. There are resources and people who care and who are ready to help in any way they can.

For more information, please visit:

Domestic Violence COVID info.pdf (gnb.ca)

Women's Equality - New Brunswick (gnb.ca)

Violence Prevention (gnb.ca)

Victim Services - Public Safety (gnb.ca)

Information about age of consent to sexual activity, sexual assault laws in Canada, and offences involving sexual exploitation.