Risky sexual behaviour refers to sexual acts or behaviors that can lead to unintended results.

Risky sexual
behavior is the description of the activity that will increase the probability that a person engaging in sexual
activity with another person infected with a sexually transmitted infection will be infected or
become pregnant, or make a partner pregnant.
Sexual risk behaviours are sexual conducts that can cause physical, psychological and/or social harm. The
most studied ones have been biological behaviours related to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),
unprotected sex, premature sexual relationship, or unwanted pregnancy. However, WHO has explained that
strategies conducted to avoid these behaviours are insufficient due to it estimates that more than 1 million s
are acquired every day. These diseases are mostly transmitted by risky sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and
oral) without using condom as a protective barrier method (WHO, 2019).

Factors
Risky sexual behaviors can include:

 Barebacking , i.e. sex without using protection.

 Mouth-to-genital contact.
 Starting sexual activity at a young age.
 Having multiple sexual partners.
  Having a high-risk partner, someone who has multiple sexual partners and/or infections.
 Sexual activity with a partner who has ever injected drugs.
 Engaging in sex work.
 Consumption of pornographic materials (which leads to other risky sexual behaviors)
Risky sexual behavior includes unprotected intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and illicit drug use. The
use of alcoholic drinks and illicit drugs greatly increases the risk
of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, and HIV/AIDS.
Having multiple sexual partners
According to a study, sexual relationships can positively influence a person’s happiness and satisfaction. It
can also reduce stress levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. However, having multiple sexual partners
can increase the chance of contracting STIs.
Examples of STIs include the following:

 Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can lead to sores on the genitals, lips, mouth, or anus.

 Gonorrhoea: Another bacterial infection that may not cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, they
differ between males and females.

 Chlamydia: Most people who have contracted chlamydia do not realize it. This is because it does not
often cause any symptoms.

 HIV: A virus that attacks a person’s immune system. There is no cure for HIV, but people can
manage it using medication. Without treatment, it can develop into AIDS, which can be fatal

Ways to reduce the risk:

 use barrier methods of contraception

 get regular STI screenings
 have honest and open communication with those they are engaging in sex with

Having sex while using drugs or alcohol

Using drugs or alcohol can affect a person’s decision-making. This may make them more likely to engage in
high risk sexual behavior.

Ways to reduce the risk

If possible, individuals should reduce their alcohol intake and avoid using drugs before engaging in sexual
activity.

If people find that using drugs and alcohol affects their decision-making and well-being, they should contact
a healthcare professional.

It is also important to use barrier methods of protection to reduce the risk of contracting STIs.

To help avoid unintended pregnancies, people may wish to use forms of birth control, such as an IUD or
birth control pill.

Treatment and interventions

There are several factors linked to risky sexual behaviors. These include inconsistent protection use, alcohol
use, polysubstance abuse, depression, lack of social support, recent incarceration, residing with a partner,
and exposure to intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse. Sexual health risk reduction can
include motivational exercises, assertiveness skills, educational and behavioral interventions. Counseling
has been developed and implemented for people with severe mental illness, may improve participants'
knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors or practices (including assertiveness skills) and could lead to a
reduction in risky sexual behavior.
There are several studies on the management of risky sexual behavior among youth, with most focusing on
the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV. A meta-analysis evaluating prevention
interventions among adolescents offers support for these programs in contributing to successful outcomes
such as decreased incident STIs. The findings showed that most interventions were administered in a group
format and involved psychoeducation on HIV/AIDS, active interpersonal skills-training with some
additionally focusing on self-management skills-training. Some evidence suggests that family interventions
may be beneficial in preventing long-term risky sexual behavior in early adulthood.