Studies have shown that 20% of Americans currently live with a sexually transmitted infection. The risk of contracting such a disease is determined by a variety of factors, such as locality, habits, sexuality, and identity. Some of these factors can be controlled, while others are predetermined, driving forward the importance of mitigating these risks and practicing safe sex.

Different areas of the United States are susceptible to have a higher chance of contracting an STI, specifically syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and gonorrhea. However, one is most at risk if they live in the southern part of the country or a larger metropolitan area. Habitual factors like having unprotected sex, using ineffective protection, having multiple partners, dealing with substance abuse, or even using dating apps can also play a role. Overall, the greater the unknown in a situation, the higher the risk there is for an STI to be present. One’s ethnicity, income, age, and background can also pose a threat to ensuring safe sex. For example, young people report STIs 48% more often than older people, and women are more likely to suffer from STIs compared to men.

Finally, sexuality has a large part in how one is affected by STIs, as different sexual preferences and dynamics can lead to different challenges. Both the sexual orientation of the participants and the type of sex can heighten or decrease the risk of infection.

While the best way to avoid STIs is abstinence, protection, testing, and proper vaccines and medication are also great ways to ensure safe sex and take control of one’s sexual health.