In the United States, one in every five people has an STD. Being aware of your chances of developing an STD can help you protect yourself. You might have higher or lower levels of risk depending on certain factors, such as where you live and what you do.
For example, certain locations have higher levels of risk of an STD. In the United States, Minnesota has the highest level of STD risk, whereas Utah has the lowest risk. Certain STDs are more common in certain areas, which also changes the risk of that region. In the Midwest, chlamydia is the most common STD. On the other hand, HIV is the most common in the northeast.
Certain actions can increase your risk of developing an STD. Having unprotected sex is a large risk factor, as is having more than one sexual partner.
Luckily, there are several effective protective measures that you can take. Testing yourself and your partner for STIs before engaging in sex can reduce your risk by 99.8%. Vaccines also help; the HPV vaccine reduces your risk for that disease by 98%. If you fear that you may have an STI, getting tested should be your first step. There are many testing centers throughout the country that can help.
Having an understanding of your risk of STDs, as well as ways to protect yourself, is critical when engaging in sexual relationships.
