Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Some STDs can also be spread through contact with infected blood. For example, many STDs are spread by using dirty needles to inject drugs or get a piercing or tattoo. STDs are very common. There are about 19 million new infections each year.
To see if you are at risk of getting an STD, including HIV, answer the questions in this risk assessment. Remember, only your health care provider can tell you if you have an STD. This risk assessment can only help you see if you have behaviors that put you at higher risk of getting an STD. Talk to your health care provider about the results of your risk assessment and any questions you have about STDs.
Unless it is explained in the question, the word "sex" refers to vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
In this risk assessment, "unprotected" sex means having sex without condom, dental dam, or other barrier method. Birth control pills, patch, ring, intrauterine device (IUD), or Depo-Provera shot protect against pregnancy but not STDs.