9 factors that put you at risk of STIs
1) Unprotected sex: Having unprotected sex puts you at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms are your best way to avoid getting infected while having sex.
2) Multiple Sex Partners: The more your sex partners, the more likely you will be exposed to STIs. So, every individual who chooses to have sex with different partners is probably more likely to have an infection than someone with who chooses to be monogamous. Stay true to a partner.
3) The use of the pill as the only contraceptive method: the condom is the most reliable form of contraception to protect you against STIs. In addition to contraceptive pills use condoms as it is the best option since the pill does not protect you against STIs.
4) Under 25: young people are at a higher risk of acquiring STIs than older people because their bodies are smaller and more likely to tear during sex. Their cervixes are not fully developed and more Susceptible to being infected with chlamydia, gonorrhoea and other STIs.
5) Drug Abuse: People who have sex under the influence of drugs are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour: Sex without a condom or other form of protection. Drug injection in particular is associated with an increased risk of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
6) Alcohol: People who drink alcohol regularly, especially in social situations, may be less discriminating about who they choose to have sex with. It may also be more difficult to use condoms correctly with your partner.
7) High prevalence of STIs in a community: You are more likely to be exposed to STIs when you have sex in a community with high prevalence of STIs.
8) Prostitution: If you trade sex for money, then you are likely to have an STI because most people who engage in such activities are likely to be tested positively for STIs.
9) Previous infection: If you have a precedence of STI infections, it is easier for you to get infected a second time.
