Sex is natural, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always healthy. There are many risks of unhealthy sexual choices, including some that have long-lasting consequences.
Sadly, many women are unaware of these risks. They may also not know how to avoid them.
In this blog, we’ll explain four reasons to avoid risky sex and the best ways to protect your sexual health.
4 risks of unhealthy sexual choices
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STI)
Sexually transmitted infections, also called sexually transmitted diseases, are common, but that doesn’t mean they are normal or unimportant. In the U.S. in 2023, more than 2.4 million new cases of STDs were reported. Over half of these cases were diagnosed in teens and young adults. More alarming, there are many cases of STIs that go undiagnosed and unreported. That means millions of people have these infections and may pass them to sexual partners.
Some types of sexually transmitted diseases are treatable but others have life-long health effects. If you don’t know you have an infection or fail to get treatment, your STI can cause serious health issues. These may include infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and an increased risk of developing HIV and cancer.
Common signs of an STD include:
- Pain while urinating or during bowel movements
- Thick, bloody, cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pain in the lower back, stomach, or pelvis
- Vaginal itching, soreness, burning, or irritation
- Fever
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bumps, sores, or warts on your genitals
Unfortunately, many sexual infections don’t cause any symptoms. You may not have any idea that you are sick. This can lead to more severe long-term complications, as well as the risk of spreading the STI.
If you are sexually active, you should get tested for an STD. You may qualify for free STI testing and treatment at Thrive Orlando if you are pregnant. Call our clinic at 407-208-9058 today to learn more.
2. Assault
Some unhealthy sexual choices can leave you vulnerable to forced or coerced sex. Consuming drugs and alcohol, for instance, can affect your mental and physical state. You may have sex with people and in situations that you wouldn’t normally agree to. Additionally, a predator may force himself on you while you are vulnerable.
But sexual assaults don’t only happen when people are under the influence. One survey found that 78% of forced or coerced sex happened during hookups. Often, casual sex is between two people who barely know each other. Your risk of harm is higher in these situations.
To protect yourself both physically and emotionally, only have sex within a committed monogamous relationship. Along with keeping you safe, this lowers your risk of getting an STD and experiencing a crisis pregnancy. It may be hard, but the long-term benefits are worth the loss.
3. Unexpected pregnancies
Unplanned pregnancies are the most well-known risk of unhealthy sex. The common myth is that accidental pregnancies almost always happen because the couple didn’t use a condom, birth control, or other form of contraception. In truth, however, we see many patients who do use some form of birth control. Unfortunately, contraceptives aren’t always effective. You can still get pregnant while practicing “safe sex.”
But getting pregnant unexpectedly isn’t really the biggest problem. Usually, there are other problems that make the situation feel unmanageable or overwhelming.
The good news is that you can choose from several options for every pregnancy. You can also find resources and support to help you through your situation. For more information about your health, pregnancy, and options, make an appointmentfor a free pregnancy test at Thrive Orlando.
It’s also important to remember that vaginal sex always carries the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. If you aren’t ready to get pregnant or don’t want to have a pregnancy with your current partner, avoiding sex is a healthy choice.
4. Emotional and psychological harm
A study by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 83% of college students said hookups negatively affected them mentally and emotionally. These students reported embarrassment, regret over the hookup, emotional difficulties, struggles with long-term relationships, and a loss of respect. Another study found that 77% of female respondents said they regretted previous instances of casual sex.
You deserve to have long-term committed relationships that include risk-free sex. Put your sexual, mental, physical, and emotional health first by avoiding unhealthy sexual choices. Think you might be pregnant already?
Make an appointment for a free confirmation pregnancy test today.