According to the medical dictionary, an STD is an infection that is transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Theory says, that anyone who is sexually active is at a risk of being infected by an STD. But, this is not the case in reality. The risk of becoming infected depends on a number of factors, such as:
Unprotected Sex. Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who is not wearing a latex condom has a risk of transmitting the disease. Oral sex is less risky but still dangerous to chance without a latex condom or dental dam.
Having An STD. Being infected with one STD, makes it much easier for another STD to take hold. If you are infected with herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia and you have unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner, you are more likely to contract the virus.
History Of An STD. If you earlier had an STD, then you are at increased risk of catching another one, partly because you and your potential sex partners often belong to social networks made up of people of similar age, location and background.
Multiple Partners. Each time you break up with one partner and move on to another, even if each relationship is monogamous, the risk of STD is increased.
Using Alcohol Or Recreational Drugs. These habits tend to reduce the inhibitions and hamper the judgment capacity, and so you are more likely to take sexual risks.
Injecting Drugs. Needle-sharing may lead to the spread of many dangerous infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B. If you acquire HIV by injecting drugs, you can transmit it sexually.
Being Young. Almost half of the new cases of STDs each year are in people between the ages of 15 and 24 years. This is for several reasons. First, young women, are more biologically susceptible to STDs than older women. Their bodies are smaller, and they may be more likely to experience tearing during intercourse. Their cervices also are not fully developed, and are more susceptible to infection by chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STDs.
Being African-American. STDs, particularly gonorrhea and syphilis, are quite common in the African-Americans. This may be partly because they are more likely to receive care at clinics that report STD statistics, including breakdowns of cases by age, sex and race.
Meeting People In Public Places Or Online For Sex. Casual, anonymous sex leads to the spread of STDs across social networks and different demographic groups.
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