Let’s get something clear up front: Anyone who is sexually active risks contracting a sexually transmitted infection. STIs do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.
However, some groups or professions are at a higher risk than average. Take a look at the list below.
Groups at Higher Risk for STIs
- People who use drugs or who use alcohol to excess
- Sex workers
- People who have sex with sex workers
- Healthcare workers and police officers
What makes members of these groups vulnerable to STIs? Take a few minutes to recall what you know about infectious diseases and think through the answer to this question.
Question
Why are these groups at a higher risk of catching STIs?
People whose judgment is impaired by drugs or alcohol may not choose sexual partners wisely and/or may not use protection correctly (or at all). Sex workers are exposed to numerous partners whose infection status is unknown; people who have sex with sex workers are then exposed to whatever infections previous clients may have had. Healthcare workers and police officers are at a higher risk for contracting HIV and herpes because they come in contact with blood and other body fluids in their jobs.
