Research shows that 20% of Americans live with an STI, many cases of which could have been prevented with the proper guidance and health. One may be more or less at risk based on locality, lifestyle choices, identity and sexuality, all of which are important to understand on one’s journey to sexual health.
Sexually active adults are most at risk if they live in the southern regions of the United States or live in and around larger metropolitan cities. There is also a higher risk associated with behaviors like having unprotected sex, using ineffective protective measures, having multiple intimate partners, using dating apps and drug or alcohol abuse. Inherent factors related to our identities can also play a role, as ethnicity, race, income, gender assigned at birth, education levels and even religious upbringing can all disrupt the balance. For example, studies have shown that black people are affected at a higher rate than other groups by diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis. Finally, sexuality is a factor in the spread of STIs, as type of sex had as well as the orientation and preferences of the parties involved may increase risk.
Although there are many aspects of our daily lives that can contribute to a higher chance of contracting an STD, there are also many preventative measures to be aware of. Abstinence, testing, protection, vaccines and post-exposure medication are all widely available and are effective tools helpful in taking control of personal sexual health.
