Behavior and risk

There are many ways to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD/STI). Using latex condoms consistently and correctly each time you have sex, limiting the number of sexual partners you have, and communicating with your partner about STDs/STIs and sexual health are just some of the ways you can reduce your risk.

You can also talk with your healthcare provider about your sexual health and history and see what tests might be recommended. Knowing your sexual history and current sexual acitivities will help you and your provider assess your possible risks and recommended testing.

With different sexual behaviors come different risks. For example, some activites such as kissing and mutual masturbation, are consider safer sex activities, with little risk of STD/STI transmission. Other activities carry greater risk for STDs/STIs. To get a better idea of sexual activities and STD/STI risk, click on any of the categories below.

What are the STD/STI risks associated with . . .

Oral sex

The risks associated with oral sex vary on your gender (whether you are a man or a woman) and whether you are performing or receiving. If you perform oral sex on a male partner, risks can include gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B. The risk of contracting herpes and HPV are less likely, but exisit. The greater risk of herpes through oral sex is for the receptive partner, as herpes caused by HSV-1 can be transmitted from the partner performing oral sex. So for a man receiving oral sex, herpes is a risk, as well as gonorrhea, syphilis and NGU. When performing oral sex on a woman, herpes is a possible (but not likely) risk. For women receiving oral sex, however, herpes (caused by HSV-1) can be a risk.

Vaginal sex

For both men and women, unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner puts you at risk for the majority of STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis B, HPV, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV.

Anal sex

For both men and women, unprotected anal sex with an infected partner puts you at risk for the majority of STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis B, HPV, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV. Particuarly with HIV, the risk for the receiver (bottom) is much greater than that of the performer (top).

Rimming (oral-anal contact)

The principle risk from rimming (oral-anal contact) comes from infections/diseases that are caused by oral-fecal contact. These include hepatitis A, amoebiasis, campylobacteriosis, giardiasis, and shigellosis. The transmission of HPV this way is less likely.

When engaging in any type of sexual activity, there are ways to reduce your risk. Using latex condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex is one important way. Learn the right way to use a condom and learn how to talk to your partner about condom use.