In 2025, it is estimated that 2 every 10 people have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Given their prevalence in the US, what are some risk factors that might make you more susceptible? Firstly, your geographic region plays a major role in your contraction of an STI. For example, you’re more at risk if you live in the Southern US or in an area that is near a large metropolis. Louisiana and Georgia are 2 great examples of this, as they are both southern states with metropolises. Consequently, they are the second and fifth highest in STIs per 100,000 in the country.
A second major factor is your lifestyle. If you use a dating app, it is estimated that you are 1.8 times more likely to get screened for STIs and 1.3 times more likely to test positive for STIs. Furthermore, people who heavily drink or use cocaine are associated with riskier sexual behaviors, positive HIV status, and higher STI diagnoses. It is also important to use proper protection when you have sexual intercourse. For example, physical protection such as condoms or spermicides are effective at preventing STIs, but birth control or morning after pills are not.
Lastly, your partner plays a major role in your likelihood to get an STI. Heterosexual and homosexual are more likely to contract different STIs, as herpes and nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is more common in heterosexual men whereas gonorrhea and syphilis are more common in homosexual men. The same goes for homosexual and heterosexual women, where homosexual women are most likely to contract bacterial vaginosis while heterosexual women are more likely to contract syphilis.
So, with the varying risks, how can you make sure you haven’t contracted an STI? Fortunately, eNational Testing makes it easy. By using their website, you can easily find a testing center near you, and you can rest assured the testing will be safely and accurately conducted. Regardless of your lifestyle preferences, getting regularly tested with eNational Testing is the best way to make sure you’re safe.
