STDs, better known as sexually transmitted diseases, are one of the world’s major health problems. STDs such as HIV-AIDS have no known cure and acquiring one can put a stigma on the personal and social life of a person. A cure for certain kinds of STD can be possibly achieved as long as it is diagnosed early, with strict adherence to the recommended treatment. However, sadly, people would rather die than become known to have STD. Statistics since 1999 show almost 340 million adults have become impaired with STDs other than HIV-AIDS. The questions that beg to be asked are: Could everyone be equally affected by STDs? Who are more susceptible to acquiring STDs?

Geographical Location

Studies have shown that geographical location or lifestyle are just a few variables that can make a population more exposed to a certain kind of STD. A lot of other factors are wrapped in myth and this could become dangerous to the general health of a certain population. Looking at the STDs geographical spread on which a 1999 data is based, shows variables such as a region’s incidence of curable STDs and its assessed occurrence such as the 156 million adult populations in North America with its recorded 14 million cases. For 203 million population in Western Europe, a total of 17 million recorded cases. North Africa and the Middle East have a total population of 165 million, with 10 million cases. A recorded 22 million cases are recorded from the total population of 205 million for Central Europe and Eastern Europe. From the 269 million populations  of Sub-Saharan Africa, a total of 69 million cases are recorded. The South and Southeast Asia, at a population of 955 million with a reported 151 million cases show the most number of STDs. From the 815 million populations of Pacific and East Asia, 18 million cases are recorded. Based on these data, we now have an idea of the width and scope of STDs worldwide.

Unprotected Sex

Some people are more susceptible to STDs and this is determined by several factors, foremost of which is unsafe or unprotected sex. The chance of becoming infected with an STD is greatly reduced when a condom is used as barrier protection during sex.

Serial Monogamy

The highest risk group belongs to those having multiple sex partners. ‘Serial monogamy’, referring to people having successive sex partners are still susceptible to STDs.

Age And Occupation

Early sexual onset for people under age 25 is also another high risk and alcohol plays a part as well since inebriation could cloud a person’s judgment to sexual choice. Prostitutes or those who sell sex for drugs or money record the highest risk because of multiple partners and unsafe sex practices.

So after looking at all the data, it seems some people are more susceptible than others to getting an STD.