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High-Risk Sexual Behavior

Topic Overview

High-risk sexual behavior puts people at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Teens and young adults are at higher risk of getting an STI than adults.

Examples of high-risk sexual behavior include:

  • Unprotected intercourse without male or female condom use, except in a long-term, single-partner (monogamous) relationship.
  • Unprotected mouth-to-genital contact, except in a long-term monogamous relationship.
  • Early sexual activity, especially before age 18.
  • Having multiple sex partners.
  • Having a high-risk partner (one who has multiple sex partners or other risk factors).
  • Having anal sex or a partner who does, except in a long-term, single-partner (monogamous) relationship.
  • Having sex with a partner who injects or has ever injected drugs.
  • Exchange of sex (sex work) for drugs or money.

Reasons for high-risk behavior

People may have high-risk behavior because they:

  • May not understand the concern about STIs and how they are transmitted.
  • May not talk about safe sex practices with sex partners.
  • Aren't prepared or don't understand how to use protective measures to prevent STIs.
  • May not be aware of symptoms of STIs.
  • May not seek medical care for STI symptoms.
  • May not have access to treatment or be able to afford treatment.
  • May use alcohol and drugs and have sex. Drugs and alcohol impair judgment and make unsafe sex more likely.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised March 15, 2012

Last Revised: March 15, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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