The 7 most important risk factors for acquiring STDs

Unprotected sex

Ofcourse unprotected sex is the highest risk factor. Damaged skin (cuts/blisters/irritated) makes the person more susceptible for acquiring a STD. Proper condom use has an effect for every STD out there and decreases transmission rates. Other than being not sexually active there is no better way to prevent STD’s.

Polygamy (more than 1 partner)

This one is easy. It’s fair and square: the more people you have sex with, the more you will be vulnerable to acquire a STD. Plus, people with multiple partners tend to choose people who have multiple partners as well. Seems logic right? 

Being under 25 years old and sexually active

Young people below 25 years old are much more susceptible to acquire a STD than old people. Especially for woman this is the case. The body is smaller and more susceptible to tearing while having sex. Anything that makes the skin damaged increases the risk. The cervix is also not yet fully developed. This increases the chance of infections. Especially Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Alcohol (ab)use

In studies, alcohol use has been linked to people being less picky about who they have sex with. Alcohol lowers shyness and makes you less reserved. Proper condom use may also be more difficult due to the effects of alcohol. A lot of new cases can be linked to alcohol abuse.

Drug use

Drugs have the same function as alcohol. Decision making can be more impulsive. Especially drugs which is taken through  injection increases the risks of getting a STD. Drug abuse and HIV and Hepatitis go hand in hand. Using drugs or having sexual intercourse with someone using drugs may greatly increases your risk. Especially if the person is injecting drugs. Injecting drugs have been linked to many STD cases.

Trade sex for money or drugs

Sex workers have a dramatically high risk of acquiring STDs. In many countries woman are not able to stand up for themselves when it comes to safe sex.  

Community with high infection rate

If you live in an area where STD prevelance is very high, you are at higher risk at any time you have sex.There are various sources available to see this data.