Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Common Causes
There are a number of different STIs, such ashuman papillomavirus (HPV),herpes,chlamydia,gonorrhea, andHIV. Some STIs are due to viruses, while others are due to bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported the United States in 2021.
STD vs. STI
Consistent use of external or internal condoms and other barriers can prevent STIs transmitted through body fluids, such as HIV and chlamydia. But itmay not offer protection against herpes and other infections spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Your odds of contracting an STI depend on a number of factors, including:
Lifestyle Risk Factors
There are many things that you can do to protect yourself against STIs. By being aware of the main risk factors that you can control, it’s possible to stay healthy without being abstinent.
Here are common lifestyle risk factors forSTIsand what you should know about each.
Age
People who are under age 25 are far more likely to be infected with STIs than older people for several reasons.
Finally, in general, young people are more likely to engage insexual risk-takingand are more likely to have multiple partners.
Sexuality
In 2022, nearly half of reported syphilis cases were traced to men who have sex with only men, the CDC reports.
According to a study published in theAmerican Journal of Public Health, unprotected anal intercourse (for both men and women) increases the likelihood of contracting an STI because of the rigidity and fragility of rectal tissue.This makes anal tissue more susceptible to tearing, upping the risk of becoming infected.
Unprotected Sex
Although using acondom or other barrier methodof birth control isn’t a guarantee you won’t become infected with a STI, it’s a highly effective way to protect yourself.
Even viruses like HPV, which external and internal condoms are less effective against, have reduced transmission rates when condoms are used.
Other than abstinence, consistent condom use—which means using an external or internal condom every time you have sex—is the best way to prevent STIs.
This applies even if you are using birth control such asthe pillor anintrauterine device (IUD). Once protected from pregnancy, some people arereluctant to use condomsas part of their sexual routine.
Prescription birth control does not protect you from STIs. Dual protection with the additional use of condoms is best.
A History of STIs
Having an STI is also an indirect reflection of your risk of new infection: Since you were exposed once already, it suggests that other factors in your lifestyle may be putting you at risk too.
Multiple Partners
The more partners you have, the more likely it is that you will be exposed to an STI. Furthermore, people with multiple partners tend to have partners with multiple partners.
Serial Monogamy
Some people only date one person at a time but still date a large number of people each year. This is referred to as serial monogamy.
The danger for people who practice serial monogamy is that each time they are involved in an “exclusive” sexual relationship, they are likely to be tempted to stop using safer sex precautions.
But monogamy is only an effective way to preventSTIs in long-term relationshipswhen both of you have tested negative.
Additionally, some tests aren’t reliable until you’ve been living with the STI for some time. Unfortunately, many serially monogamous relationships don’t last long enough for that to be a viable option.
Alcohol Use
Drinking can be bad for your sexual health in many different ways. People who use alcohol on a regular basis, particularly in social situations, may be less discriminating about whom they choose to have sex with.
Alcohol also lowers inhibitions. It may also make it more difficult to convince a sexual partner to use an external or internal condom or to use one correctly.
Recreational Drug Use
People who have sex under the influence of drugs are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as having condomless sex or sex without other forms of protection.
Drugs may also make it easier for someone to pressure you into engaging in sexual behaviors. Injection drug use, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of blood-borne pathogens such asHIVand hepatitis.
Trading Sex for Money or Drugs
People who trade sex for money or drugs may not be sufficiently empowered to negotiate safer sex. And partners acquired in this manner are far more likely to be living with an STI than people in the general population.
Note: Some sex workers, particularly those who have made an independent and informed choice to engage in their work, are highly conscientious about safer sex and prevention. Risk varies according to individual behaviors, just as it does for people who don’t engage in commercial sex.
1:187 Tips For Preventing STDs
1:18
7 Tips For Preventing STDs
Sex Addiction: How to Overcome Compulsions
A Word From Verywell
STIs are largely preventable. While abstaining from all sexual contact is the only way to completely prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection, only having sex in a mutually monogamous relationship can also improve your odds of not acquiring an STI. In addition, practicing safer sex every time you engage in sexual activity can dramatically decrease your risk of contracting an STI.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSTIs are very common, resulting in millions of new infections every year worldwide. In fact, according to 2018 data from the CDC, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. had an STI.The most common ones arechlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.Some STIs show no symptoms, which is why prevention and testing are important. If an STI causes symptoms, they are typically unusual discharge, sores or warts on the infected area, frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, itching and redness, abnormal odor in the genital area, abdominal pain, and fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
STIs are very common, resulting in millions of new infections every year worldwide. In fact, according to 2018 data from the CDC, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. had an STI.The most common ones arechlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Some STIs show no symptoms, which is why prevention and testing are important. If an STI causes symptoms, they are typically unusual discharge, sores or warts on the infected area, frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, itching and redness, abnormal odor in the genital area, abdominal pain, and fever.
Stillbirth and Gestational Diabetes: How to Lower Your Risk
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wagenlehner FM, Brockmeyer NH, Discher T, Friese K, Wichelhaus TA.The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(1-02):11–22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0011Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV surveillance supplemental report: Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence in the United States 2018–2022.Shannon CL, Klausner JD.The growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in adolescents: a neglected population.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018;30(1):137–143. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000578U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National overview of STIs, 2022.Jenness S, Begier E, Neaigus A, Murrill C, Wendel T, Hagan H.Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women.Am J Public Health. 2011;101(4):745-750. doi:10.2105/ajph.2009.181883Pinkerton SD, Abramson PR.Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission.Soc Sci Med. 1997;44(9):1303-1312.Deese J, Pradhan S, Goetz H, Morrison C.Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives.Open Access J Contracept. 2018;9:91–112. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S135439Conley TD, Matsick JL, Moors AC, Ziegler A, Rubin JD.Re-examining the effectiveness of monogamy as an STI-preventive strategy.Prev Med. 2015;78:23-28. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.06.006Hutton HE, McCaul ME, Santora PB, Erbelding EJ.The relationship between recent alcohol use and sexual behaviors: gender differences among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients.Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2008;32(11):2008–2015. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00788.xScott-Sheldon LA, Carey MP, Vanable PA, Senn TE, Coury-Doniger P, Urban MA.Alcohol consumption, drug use, and condom use among STD clinic patients.J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70(5):762–770. doi:10.15288/jsad.2009.70.762U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections.MedlinePlus.Sexually transmitted infections.Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).How to prevent STIs.McCormick AW, Abuelezam NN, Rhode ER, et al.Development, calibration and performance of an HIV transmission model incorporating natural history and behavioral patterns: application in South Africa.PLoS One. 2014;9(5):e98272. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098272
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wagenlehner FM, Brockmeyer NH, Discher T, Friese K, Wichelhaus TA.The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(1-02):11–22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0011Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV surveillance supplemental report: Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence in the United States 2018–2022.Shannon CL, Klausner JD.The growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in adolescents: a neglected population.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018;30(1):137–143. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000578U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National overview of STIs, 2022.Jenness S, Begier E, Neaigus A, Murrill C, Wendel T, Hagan H.Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women.Am J Public Health. 2011;101(4):745-750. doi:10.2105/ajph.2009.181883Pinkerton SD, Abramson PR.Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission.Soc Sci Med. 1997;44(9):1303-1312.Deese J, Pradhan S, Goetz H, Morrison C.Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives.Open Access J Contracept. 2018;9:91–112. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S135439Conley TD, Matsick JL, Moors AC, Ziegler A, Rubin JD.Re-examining the effectiveness of monogamy as an STI-preventive strategy.Prev Med. 2015;78:23-28. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.06.006Hutton HE, McCaul ME, Santora PB, Erbelding EJ.The relationship between recent alcohol use and sexual behaviors: gender differences among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients.Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2008;32(11):2008–2015. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00788.xScott-Sheldon LA, Carey MP, Vanable PA, Senn TE, Coury-Doniger P, Urban MA.Alcohol consumption, drug use, and condom use among STD clinic patients.J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70(5):762–770. doi:10.15288/jsad.2009.70.762U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections.MedlinePlus.Sexually transmitted infections.Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).How to prevent STIs.McCormick AW, Abuelezam NN, Rhode ER, et al.Development, calibration and performance of an HIV transmission model incorporating natural history and behavioral patterns: application in South Africa.PLoS One. 2014;9(5):e98272. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098272
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wagenlehner FM, Brockmeyer NH, Discher T, Friese K, Wichelhaus TA.The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(1-02):11–22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0011Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV surveillance supplemental report: Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence in the United States 2018–2022.Shannon CL, Klausner JD.The growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in adolescents: a neglected population.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018;30(1):137–143. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000578U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National overview of STIs, 2022.Jenness S, Begier E, Neaigus A, Murrill C, Wendel T, Hagan H.Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women.Am J Public Health. 2011;101(4):745-750. doi:10.2105/ajph.2009.181883Pinkerton SD, Abramson PR.Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission.Soc Sci Med. 1997;44(9):1303-1312.Deese J, Pradhan S, Goetz H, Morrison C.Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives.Open Access J Contracept. 2018;9:91–112. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S135439Conley TD, Matsick JL, Moors AC, Ziegler A, Rubin JD.Re-examining the effectiveness of monogamy as an STI-preventive strategy.Prev Med. 2015;78:23-28. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.06.006Hutton HE, McCaul ME, Santora PB, Erbelding EJ.The relationship between recent alcohol use and sexual behaviors: gender differences among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients.Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2008;32(11):2008–2015. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00788.xScott-Sheldon LA, Carey MP, Vanable PA, Senn TE, Coury-Doniger P, Urban MA.Alcohol consumption, drug use, and condom use among STD clinic patients.J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70(5):762–770. doi:10.15288/jsad.2009.70.762U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections.MedlinePlus.Sexually transmitted infections.
Wagenlehner FM, Brockmeyer NH, Discher T, Friese K, Wichelhaus TA.The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016;113(1-02):11–22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0011
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV surveillance supplemental report: Estimated HIV incidence and prevalence in the United States 2018–2022.
Shannon CL, Klausner JD.The growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in adolescents: a neglected population.Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018;30(1):137–143. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000578
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.National overview of STIs, 2022.
Jenness S, Begier E, Neaigus A, Murrill C, Wendel T, Hagan H.Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women.Am J Public Health. 2011;101(4):745-750. doi:10.2105/ajph.2009.181883
Pinkerton SD, Abramson PR.Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission.Soc Sci Med. 1997;44(9):1303-1312.
Deese J, Pradhan S, Goetz H, Morrison C.Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives.Open Access J Contracept. 2018;9:91–112. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S135439
Conley TD, Matsick JL, Moors AC, Ziegler A, Rubin JD.Re-examining the effectiveness of monogamy as an STI-preventive strategy.Prev Med. 2015;78:23-28. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.06.006
Hutton HE, McCaul ME, Santora PB, Erbelding EJ.The relationship between recent alcohol use and sexual behaviors: gender differences among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients.Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2008;32(11):2008–2015. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00788.x
Scott-Sheldon LA, Carey MP, Vanable PA, Senn TE, Coury-Doniger P, Urban MA.Alcohol consumption, drug use, and condom use among STD clinic patients.J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70(5):762–770. doi:10.15288/jsad.2009.70.762
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.
World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections.
MedlinePlus.Sexually transmitted infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).How to prevent STIs.McCormick AW, Abuelezam NN, Rhode ER, et al.Development, calibration and performance of an HIV transmission model incorporating natural history and behavioral patterns: application in South Africa.PLoS One. 2014;9(5):e98272. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098272
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).How to prevent STIs.
McCormick AW, Abuelezam NN, Rhode ER, et al.Development, calibration and performance of an HIV transmission model incorporating natural history and behavioral patterns: application in South Africa.PLoS One. 2014;9(5):e98272. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098272
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
