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.