Sexually transmitted diseases are serious conditions that can develop after having sex. However, understanding factors that increase risk of catching an STD can encourage safe sexual practices, reducing exposure.
This article explores common risk factors of STDs to help protect your sexual health.
Having multiple sexual partners, especially in a short time period, can increase risk of infection. This includes having multiple sexual partners at once or moving from one partner to another back-to-back.
One or more of your partners may also maintain multiple sexual relationships. This increases your risk of catching an STD even further.
Having sex with a new partner can expose you to STDs, especially if you don’t know each other’s sexual history.
You might not know if they’ve had unprotected sex or been exposed to an infection like HPV or syphilis, which can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Some STDs don’t show symptoms, so they can be unknowingly spread.
Have an open discussion about sexual health and testing history before having sex. Always use protection to reduce your risk.
If your current partner tests positive for an STD, your risk of catching it rises. You may not know exactly when they caught it, meaning you may have had sex since they've been infected.
There's a chance your partner tested positive before you had sexual relations with them. Ask if they've received treatment for the infection.
You should still use protection, so your chance of catching the STD may decrease.
Not being vaccinated for certain STDs, including HPV and hepatitis A or B, can increase risk of infection.1 Vaccines help your body defend itself from disease, boosting your immune system's response to infections.
Vaccines are typically recommended for children, but you can get them at any age. Pre-exposure vaccination is one of the most effective prevention methods for STDs.
Many STDs, including herpes and gonorrhea, are transmitted through body fluids, while syphilis and HPV are contracted through skin-to-skin contact.
Whether you engage in oral, anal or vaginal sex, failing to use protective devices, such as condoms or dental dams, can increase risk of transmission and infection. These devices act as barriers, protecting your body from direct exposure.
If you've already had an STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, your chance of contracting another infection, like HIV, increases. Meanwhile, anyone with HIV is susceptible to other diseases. This is because of the immune response the infection triggers.
Sores, breaks or ulcers in the skin make it easier for other infections to enter the body. This response usually stems from failing to properly treat or manage the first STD.
Alcohol or drug use can impair judgment, resulting in risky sexual behaviors, including having unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners.
The need to fund an addiction may also encourage unprotected sex as a financial transaction.
Additionally, intravenous drug use, like injecting heroin, can contribute to STD transmission.2 Sharing needles, syringes or other equipment increases risk of contracting infections such as HIV.
Some groups of people carry higher risk for STDs.3 These groups include:
These groups are more susceptible to STDs for various reasons, including lack of access to protection or sexual health education.
Weakened immune systems in older adults can also contribute to STD transmission.4 As of 2023, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have risen among seniors.5
Anal sex carries a higher risk of spreading STDs6 because the skin around the anus is thinner and can tear easily, which makes it easier for infections to enter the body.
People may also be less likely to use protection during anal sex, which increases the risk. To lower the chance of infection, always use condoms and appropriate lubrication.
Sharing sex toys can also spread STDs7 if they aren’t cleaned properly. Toys can hold bodily fluids like semen or vaginal fluids, which may carry viruses or bacteria.
To avoid this, clean toys well after each use, or use a condom on the toy if sharing it. It’s best not to share toys at all, or to ensure they are cleaned thoroughly before being used by someone else.
In short, using condoms and cleaning sex toys properly can help reduce the risk of STDs.
Not knowing how to protect yourself from STDs can increase risk of infection. A lack of understanding or increased stigma can cause shame around certain sexual acts.
This can prevent following safe sex practices, including using a condom or facilitating communication with partners. Additionally, a lack of information about STDs can make them harder to detect.
For example, asymptomatic STDs, such as chlamydia and HPV, can lead to people not seeking treatment. However, a lack of symptoms doesn't mean a lack of danger.
You can still spread the infection to others.
Getting tested or screened regularly is the best way to identify if you have an STD and prevent spreading the infection.
Additionally, ask new partners whether they've been tested to decrease risk of exposure.
This can be a sensitive or uncomfortable conversation for some people. However, refraining from passing judgment or offering to go with them can help.
Catching an STD is a risk every time you have sex. However, certain factors can increase your chance even further.
Failing to use condoms or other protective barriers, engaging in sexual activities with a new partner and using drugs or alcohol while sexually active are key contributors. This doesn't mean you can't take measures to reduce exposure.
Using protection, openly communicating with partners and getting tested for STDs can alleviate concerns.
Take control of your sexual health by learning more about STDs and getting tested. Feel free to review STD testing options in your area at saferstdtesting.com.
