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What are the risk factors and causes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
STDs are caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria that are transmitted between people during sexual activity. The most important risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases is sexual activity. Sex includes intercourse, anal sex, oral sex or skin-to-skin contact; the risk goes up with the number of sexual partners.
Health professionals are at risk of contracting STDs through contact with blood and infectious waste products of infected persons.
Injection drug users (users of heroin and other substances that are given through a needle) are also at high-risk for some STDs, through the sharing of needles. Never share a needle with anyone, for any reason.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not serve as a replacement for care provided by your own personal health care team. This website does not render or provide medical advice, and no individual should make any medical decisions or change their health behavior based on information provided here. All pertinent content provided on this website should be discussed with your personal physician to evaluate whether it has any relevance to or impact on your specific condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
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