STI Prevention: Understanding Your Risk and Using Adequate Protection

Sexually transmitted infections are common in the United States.  Everyone has a different level of risk due a wide range of variables, making it impossible to provide a single statistic for risk.  Understanding your unique risk can help you navigate sexual relationships safely.  Variables such as your geographical location, your actions and routines, your personal background and the people with whom you have sexual relations all play a role. 

The first key variable in STI risk is where you live.  Throughout the United States, STI risk varies state to state.  For instance, Utah has the lowest risk, with only 428 out of 100,000 people carrying an STI.  On the other hand, Minnesota has the highest risk, with 1,264 out of 100,000 people carrying an STI.  In general, you face the most risk for STIs if you live in the south and in or near a larger metro area. 

Not only does the overall risk vary, but the risk for specific types of STIs also varies throughout the country.  In the western United States, there is a higher risk for syphilis, whereas the south is at higher risk for gonorrhea.  

In terms of actions and routines, there are many factors that influence risk.  One of the main actions that can increase one’s risk is engaging in unprotected sex.  However, it is important to note that not all methods of protection work against STIs; using inadequate protection can also increase your risk of STIs.  For example, nonbarrier contraception can prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent STIs. 

Using dating apps can also increase your risk.  In fact, dating app users are 1.3 times more likely than non-users to test positive for STIs.  This ties into another factor: number of sexual partners.  People who have more than one sexual partner are more likely to contract STIs.  In general, you are more at risk for STIs if you have unprotected sex with multiple partners, especially when you do not know these partners well. 

Your personal background, such as ethnicity, income and age, is another variable in the complicated web of STI risk.  Certain ethnicities face elevated risk for certain STIs.  For example, white individuals face a higher risk of syphilis than they do gonorrhea or chlamydia.  However, black individuals face a higher risk of gonorrhea than chlamydia or syphilis. 

Studies suggest that individuals with lower incomes are at a higher risk for getting STIs.  More specifically, research suggests that individuals who do not have medical insurance, use public transportation or live below the poverty level are at higher risk.  

Finally, age plays a part as well, with younger individuals being at a higher risk for STIs.  In fact, in 2023, people between the ages of 15 and 24 made up 48% of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Another key variable is who you love.  STI positivity rates vary between individuals of different sexual orientation and partnerships.  For example, 35% of gay and bisexual cisgender men are positive for STIs, making them the group most at risk.  On the other hand, only 11% of cisgender women are positive for STIs.  

Luckily, there are many ways that individuals can protect themselves from STIs.  Testing yourself and your partner for STIs before a sexual relationship reduces risk by 99.8%, making it an extremely effective prevention method.  Other options include using effective protection, such as internal/external condoms, getting vaccinated and using post-exposure medications when necessary. 

Everyone’s STI risk is different, but the core methods of protection are the same.  Staying educated and prepared is key to practicing safe sex, and is important for all sexually active individuals.