Lifestyle Risk Factors For Acquiring an STDs
Intro
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are caused by intimate contact with an infected partner. The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to be exposed to an STD, but there are other risk factors as well. The type of sex and sexual partners you have, whether you practice safe sex consistently, previous history of an STD, age, and more contribute to your risk as well.
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There are many things that you can do to protect yourself against STDs. By being aware of the main risk factors that you can control, it's possible to stay healthy without being abstinent. Here are common lifestyle risk factors for STDs and what you should know about each.
Unprotected Sex
Although using a condom or other barrier method of birth control isn't a guarantee you won't become infected with a sexually transmitted organism, it's a highly effective way to protect yourself.Even viruses like HPV, which condoms are less effective against, have reduced transmission rates when condoms are used.
Multiple Partners
The more partners you have, the more likely it is that you will be exposed to an STD. Furthermore, people with multiple partners tend to have partners with multiple partners, which compounds the risk.
Trading Sex for Money or Drugs
People who trade sex for money or drugs may not be sufficiently empowered to negotiate for safe sex. And partners acquired in this manner are far more likely to be infected with STDs than people in the general population.
Age
People who are under the age of 25 are far more likely to be infected with STDs than older people for several reasons. First, young women are more biologically susceptible to STDs than older women. Their bodies are smaller and they are more likely to experience tearing during intercourse. Finally, in general, young people are more likely to engage in sexual risk-taking and are more likely to have multiple partners.
Illicit Drug Use
People who have sex under the influence of drugs are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours, such as having sex without a condom or other form of protection.
Drugs may also make it easier for someone to pressure you into engaging in sexual behaviors. Furthermore, injection drug use, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
Alcohol Use
Drinking can be bad for your sexual health in many different ways. People who use alcohol on a regular basis, particularly in social situations, may be less discriminating about whom they choose to have sex with. Alcohol also lowers inhibitions. It may also make it more difficult to convince a sexual partner to use a condom or to use one correctly.
STDs are largely preventable. While abstaining from all sexual contact is the only way to completely prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease, only having sex within the context of a mutually monogamous relationship can also improve your odds of remaining STD-free. In addition, practicing safer sex every time you engage in sexual activity can dramatically decrease your risk of contracting an STD.Drugs may also make it easier for someone to pressure you into engaging in sexual behaviors. Furthermore, injection drug use, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.