Adam Torkildson
Today, 20% of people in the United States live with a sexually transmitted infection. Infections like these can be spread in a variety of ways and as a result of a number of different risk factors. One may be more or less at risk depending on where they live, what they do, who they are and who they love.
Those who live in the southern regions or in and around larger metropolitan cities are at a greater risk for infection based on locality. Additionally, choices like having protected sex, engaging with one or more sexual partners, or even using dating apps can increase risk. Substance abuse has also been positively associated with risky sexual behaviors, thus increasing the likelihood of an STD. One’s background, such as ethnicity, age, income, gender or education level can also determine the chances of contracting an STI. Similarly, sexuality plays a role as well, as heterosexual and homosexual couples engage in different types of sex, leading to differing levels of risk and types of STIs as well.Â
Although abstinence is the only way to ensure that one is safe from infection, regular testing, using proper protection and vaccines are all widely available methods to promote the practice of safe sex.
