It is important to know the risk factors associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as well as methods you can take to prevent these infections. The following article provides key statistics and advice that can help individuals practice safe sex.
Many factors play a role in an individual’s risk of getting an STD. For example, where you live, what you do, your sexual habits and drug usage, your sexual partners and your characteristics all play a part.
Where You Live Matters
When it comes to where you live, different areas and metros are at risk for different types of STIs. In the western United States, the most common STI is syphilis, whereas chlamydia is the most common in the Midwest. HIV is the most common in the northeast, and gonorrhea is the most common in the south. In general, you are more at risk if you live in the south and in/near a larger metro area.
In terms of sexual habits, unprotected sex is a risk factor for developing STIs. In fact, per 10,000 unprotected sexual acts, 51%-64% of individuals develop syphilis. Having more than one sexual partner also increases your chances of developing an STI, as does using dating apps. Dating app uses are 1.3 times more likely to get screened for STIs, and 1.3 times as likely to test positive for STIs.
Individuals who struggle with alcohol or drug abuse may be more likely to develop STIs as well. In fact, cocaine use is positively associated with risky sexual behaviors and STI diagnoses.
STI infection rates vary between different pairings of individuals. For instance, homosexual men are more likely to contract gonorrhea, syphilis and anal warts than heterosexual men. However, heterosexual men are more likely to contract nongonococcal urethritis, genital herpes and pediculosis pubis than homosexual men. In terms of women, homosexual women are more likely to contract bacterial vaginosis than heterosexual women, whereas heterosexual women are more likely to contract syphilis.
Finally, your risk of developing STIs depends on your ethnicity, nationality, income and age. For example, white individuals have a higher risk of developing chlamydia than they do syphilis. Black individuals have a higher risk of developing gonorrhea than they do chlamydia. In terms of income, individuals are more likely to develop an STI if they don’t have health insurance, use public transportation or have an income below the poverty level (as of 2025: $15,060 for a single-person household). Young people also report STIs more often than older people. In fact, 48% of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24.
If you want to lower your risks for STIs, there are many steps you can take. Abstinence reduces your risk by 100%, but there are other options as well. STI testing before a sexual relationship reduces the risk of developing an STI by 99.8%. Using internal/external condoms reduces your risk by 98%. Getting vaccines is also important; for example, the HPV vaccine is 98% reduces your risk by 98%.
Staying informed is the first step to protecting yourself from STIs. Understanding the risks, as well as taking action to prevent STIs, whether it be abstinence, protection or vaccines, is key to safe sexual practices.
