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      • Sexual Orientation
      • Transition-Related Health Services
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    • Before Sex
      • Am I Ready for Sex?
      • Talk with Your Partner
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      • What are STIs?
      • STI Testing
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      • Am I Ready to Have a Baby?
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What are STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from someone who has an infection to someone who doesn’t, mainly through person-to-person sexual contact.

Most people with an STI don’t show any signs or symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. If you are sexually active, the most effective way to prevent STIs is to protect yourself.

  • Male condom
  • Female condom
  • Dental dam—for oral sex

Different bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause sexually transmitted infections. Use the links below to learn the facts about STIs, including symptoms and available treatments.

  • Bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
  • Viral STIs (HIV, HPV, hepatitis B, herpes)
  • Parasitic STIs (trichomoniasis, scabies, public lice)

Department of Health

PO Box 1000, Station 1000
Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0

Email: SexualHealth@gov.nu.ca

Do you have comments/questions or suggestions for
information that should be included on the website? Please
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