High-Risk Sexual Behavior
Topic Overview
High-risk sexual behavior puts people at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy, and being in a sexual relationship before being mature enough to know what makes a healthy relationship. Teens and young adults are at higher risk 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 safer 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.
For more information see: Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Related Information
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine
Current as ofNovember 27, 2017
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Current as of: November 27, 2017