Lecture Notes

There are numerous behavioral factors. The first is early initiation of intimate sexual activity. Individuals that are sexually active at an early age increase the risk because it increases the total time that they are sexually active. They are also more likely to have non-voluntary intercourse and a greater number of partners as well as use condoms less consistently. The more exclusive sexual partners an individual has over a period of time, known as serial monogamy, the greater the chance of acquiring an STI. Those in committed relationships often transition from condoms to hormonal birth control without establishing STI status first. Furthermore, having concurrent sexual relationships, that is, overlapping sexual partnerships, facilitates the spread of STIs. Research has shown that sexual concurrency is associated with individual STI risk

We must also consider the factor of high-risk sex partners. Sex with a person who has had many partners increases your risk of acquiring an STI. There is also high-risk sexual behavior. Certain behaviors put individuals at higher risk for STI including anal intercourse, having paid sex, and one night stands. Another behavioral factor is inconsistent and incorrect condom use. Correct and consistent condom use is associated with lower rates of STIs for both men and women. Substance abuse is also a factor. Alcohol and drugs affect cognitive and negotiating skills before and during sex, lowering the likelihood that partners will protect themselves from STIs and pregnancy. There is also sexual coercion. Not all people enter sexual relationships as willing partners, particularly women. Persons experiencing violence are less able to protect themselves.

In addition, a lack of knowledge of and concern about STIs is also a behavioral factor that influences STI transmission. Lastly, erroneous perceptions of our partner's risk also leave us vulnerable to STIs. Individuals with an inadequate perception of their partner's risk and who rely on visual and verbal cues to judge whether their partners are disease-free instead of discussing partner's sexual history leave themselves vulnerable for STI transmission