Where one lives, their lifestyle choices, who they are, and who they love are all major factors that contribute to how at risk one is for contracting an STI. A staggering 20% of people in the United States live with an STI, emphasizing the importance of educating the population on their STD risk assessment and the preventive measures surrounding safe sex.
Locality is an important factor in STI prevention, as different regions of the country are at risk for different types of infections and at varying degrees. Our choices can also impact our likelihood of getting an STI, such as having multiple partners or not using protection. Even substance abuse can increase risk, as impaired decision-making can lead to poor choices. Our identity and background also play a role, as those below the poverty line are more likely to report an STI, as are younger populations. Sexuality can change the landscape for STI contraction as well, with homosexual and heterosexual couples being at risk for different types of diseases based on the type of sex they most frequently engage in.
Refraining from sex is the only way to ensure there is no chance of infection. However, for those who are sexually active, proper protection, testing before each new partner, and getting the proper vaccines are all ways to keep oneself and others safe in intimate relationships.
