Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be scary, and the ways they are contracted can vary by person or type of disease. There are also a variety of risk factors that determine how likely one is to contract these diseases. This risk has led 1 in 5 people in the United States to have an STI.
Some of the factors to consider in an effort to have safe sex are one’s locality, lifestyle, background, and sexual identity. Different regions of the United States are at risk for different types of STIs and at varying degrees. For example, the southern region of the United States is at a higher risk for these infections, and patients most commonly suffer from gonorrhea. Lifestyle and personal choices can also play a role, as having unprotected sex, using substances, having several partners, and even using dating apps can all heighten risk. One’s nationality, age, income, sexuality, and overall background can also play a role. Fortunately, with these risks come viable solutions and ways to ensure safety during sex. Abstinence is the only foolproof way to avoid these diseases, but protection, testing, and proper vaccination can also significantly lower one’s chances of contracting an STI or STD.
