STDs are a growing problem all over the world, especially in the United States. There are a number of different diseases included in STDs, each with its own risk factors. However, the most common STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Other STDs include HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). These are usually spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They can also be spread through sharing needles from syringes etc.
The good news is that you can also do several things to reduce your risk of getting an STD. Keep reading to learn about the most common risk factors for STDs and what you can do to avoid them!
1. Unprotected Sex
It is important to remember that STDs are caused due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted through sexual activity. When someone engages in unprotected sex, this means they don’t have a barrier to stop the exchange of these harmful substances between them and their partners.
During sexual activity, STD-causing organisms can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the genitals, mouth, or anus. Once inside the body, these organisms can cause an infection that can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, discharge, and itching.
This exchange of bodily fluids provides a means for the transmission of STDs. It’s always advised to get tested reqgualrly, and at minimul after every new sexual partner. STD treatments online are readily avaiable.
2. Having Sex with an STD-Positive Person
Many STDs are spread through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk. During sexual activity, these fluids can be exchanged between partners, increasing the risk of transmission if one of the sexual partners is STD-positive.
Some STDs can also be spread through contact with infected skin, so it’s best to have protected sex and not indulge in sexual activity with an STD-positive person. Sometimes, you may not even see the symptoms in an infected person, so you won’t even know if your partner has any STD. This will also increase your risk of contracting the infection.
3. Sharing Needles
Not only STDs but sharing needles can also be a risk factor for hepatitis B and C. This is because sharing needles with other people leads to direct blood contact with someone who has an STD. That’s why it is recommended to use sterile and new needles whenever getting injected.
It will decrease the risk of infection by stopping bacteria and viruses from entering your body. Many people also reuse needles. This can also lead to the transmission of infectious agents from one person to another in the form of blood.
4. Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can be a risk factor for STDs in a number of ways. First of all, it impairs a person’s judgment, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors, including unprotected sex. This can increase the risk of contracting an STD.
Substance abuse can also increase a person’s sexual activity, leading to more frequent sexual encounters with different partners. This increases the likelihood of exposure to STDs.
Moreover, injection drug use often involves sharing needles and syringes. This can increase the risk of contracting STDs through direct blood contact or exposure to contaminated needles.
5. Being Sexually Active at a Young Age
Lack of knowledge in young people may lead to problems with their sexual life. They do not have access to comprehensive sex education or may not have enough information about the risks of unprotected sex and the ways to prevent STDs.
This will ultimately make them more susceptible to STDs. Also, their bodies may be more susceptible to STDs due to physiological factors. For example, the cervix in teenage girls may not be fully developed, which makes it easier for STDs to enter the body.
Moreover, when young people are sexually active at a young age and face any problems with their sexual life, they will feel ashamed or stigmatized for seeking sexual health services, which can make them believe in myths about STDs and prevent them from seeking testing and treatment for STDs.
6. Compromised Immune System
A weakened immune system makes the body more vulnerable to infections, which also include STDs. The immune system is responsible for identifying and fighting off pathogens, but when it is compromised, it may not be able to fight off infections effectively.
Also, when your immune system is weak, it will lead to slower healing of your wounds, which will make it harder for the body to recover from STDs. This can eventually lead to a longer and more severe course of the disease due to co-infections.
Co-infections are conditions where your immune system becomes more susceptible to multiple infections at a time. When you have multiple infections harming your body, you will ultimately increase the severity of STDs and make them harder to treat, even by following the best health measures.
If you want to decrease your chances of getting STDs, it is advised to follow all the measures mentioned above and change your lifestyle habits for the better.
