A healthy sex life is about much more than avoiding infection. When you ask, “what are three sexual health risks,” you are really asking how to protect your body, your mental health, and your relationships.
According to the World Health Organization, sexual health includes pleasure, identity, safety, and freedom from coercion, not just the absence of disease (WHO). With that in mind, three major sexual health risks you should know about are:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Sexual violence, coercion, and discrimination
- Sexual dysfunction and its impact on mental health
Below, you will see how each risk affects you, what warning signs to watch for, and practical steps to protect yourself.
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections are one of the most common sexual health risks and can affect anyone who is sexually active. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as genital skin to skin contact (CDC, MedlinePlus).
What makes STIs risky
You may picture noticeable symptoms, but many STIs cause no symptoms at all. That means you can have an infection, feel fine, and still pass it to a partner without knowing (CDC, MedlinePlus).
Untreated STIs can lead to serious long term problems, including:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pain and pregnancy complications
- Certain cancers, such as cervical and anal cancer
- Organ damage, neurological problems, and even death in severe cases
These complications are well documented for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, hepatitis B, and HIV (ACOG, Urology Care Foundation, WHO, Mayo Clinic).
Common STIs you should know
You do not need to memorize every name, but understanding a few major ones helps you make informed decisions:
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Chlamydia and gonorrhea
These are bacterial infections that often have few or no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include pain when you urinate, discharge, or pelvic pain. If untreated, they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and in men, narrowing of the urethra (ACOG, Urology Care Foundation, Mayo Clinic). -
Syphilis
This bacterial infection usually starts with a painless sore, then can progress to rashes and flu like symptoms. Without treatment, it can damage the heart, brain, and other organs, and can be fatal years later. It also causes serious problems in unborn babies if passed during pregnancy (ACOG, Mayo Clinic, Urology Care Foundation). -
HPV (human papillomavirus)
HPV is one of the most common STIs worldwide. Some types cause genital warts. Others greatly increase the risk of cervical, anal, and other cancers, especially in women and in men who have sex with men (ACOG, Mayo Clinic, WHO). -
Genital herpes
Caused by herpes simplex virus, this infection can lead to painful sores or sometimes no symptoms at all. There is no cure, but antiviral medicines can reduce outbreaks and lower your chance of transmitting it to a partner (ACOG). -
HIV and hepatitis B
HIV attacks your immune system and can progress to AIDS if untreated. Hepatitis B attacks your liver and can cause cirrhosis or liver cancer. Both spread through blood and body fluids during sex and from mother to baby (ACOG, Urology Care Foundation, Mayo Clinic).
How your sexual activities affect STI risk
Different sexual activities carry different levels of risk:
- Vaginal sex without a condom increases the chance of pregnancy and STIs. Infections can be present even in pre ejaculate fluid, and transmission can occur without full penetration or ejaculation (NHS).
- Anal sex generally has a higher risk for STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and herpes. The lining of the anus is thin and more easily damaged, which makes infection more likely (NHS).
- Oral sex can also spread infections including herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, especially if there are cuts or sores around the mouth or genitals (NHS).
- Sharing sex toys without cleaning them or using new condoms on them can pass infections like chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes, and can also spread bloodborne viruses if blood is present (NHS).
Practical ways to lower your STI risk
You cannot reduce your risk to zero if you are sexually active, but you can lower it significantly:
- Use condoms or dental dams correctly and consistently. They provide strong protection against many STIs, including HIV, although they do not fully protect against infections that cause sores on surrounding skin such as herpes or syphilis (WHO).
- Get regular STI testing based on your level of sexual activity and your number of partners. Many infections are curable with antibiotics, and catching them early prevents long term damage (WHO, MedlinePlus).
- Ask partners about their STI testing history and status. Honest conversations protect both of you.
- Consider vaccines where available, such as HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, if you are eligible.
- Seek prompt medical care if you notice symptoms such as pain when you urinate, unusual discharge, sores, rashes, or unexplained pelvic or genital pain.
If you remember nothing else, remember that no or mild symptoms does not mean no infection. Testing is the only way to know your status.
2. Sexual violence, coercion, and discrimination
Another major sexual health risk is not about infection at all. It is about your right to safety, respect, and choice. The World Health Organization emphasizes that sexual health requires the possibility of pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence (WHO).
When those rights are violated, your sexual health is directly harmed.
How coercion and violence affect your health
Sexual violence and coercion are not only traumatic in the moment. They can have long term physical, emotional, and social consequences. These include increased risk of STIs, unintended pregnancy, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and difficulty feeling safe in future relationships (WHO).
Discrimination related to your sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual expression can also damage your wellbeing. If you are shamed or punished for who you are or how you express yourself, you are less likely to seek care, ask questions, or access support. The WHO notes that violations of sexual rights, such as discrimination and coercion, can prevent you from engaging in safe, consensual sexual behavior (WHO).
Recognizing unhealthy or unsafe situations
You have a right to set boundaries. Any situation where you feel pressured, threatened, or unable to say no is unsafe for your sexual health, even if no physical force is used.
Warning signs include:
- A partner who ignores or pushes past your stated limits
- Someone who refuses to use protection even when you ask
- Being pressured into sex in exchange for favors, money, housing, or grades
- Being insulted, shamed, or threatened around your sexual choices or identity
If you are unsure whether something “counts” as coercion or violence, focus on how much choice and safety you actually have. If your “yes” is not freely given, it is not consent.
Protecting your rights and seeking support
You deserve relationships that respect your body and your boundaries. To protect yourself:
- Practice clear communication around consent. Check in with partners and expect them to do the same for you.
- Limit sexual activity with people who ignore your comfort level or who dismiss your concerns.
- Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals if something does not feel right or if you have experienced sexual violence or discrimination.
- Use local or national hotlines, sexual assault services, or LGBTQ+ support organizations if you need confidential help.
It can be difficult to talk about these experiences, but seeking support is an important part of protecting your sexual health.
3. Sexual dysfunction and mental health
A less obvious but equally important sexual health risk is the impact of sexual dysfunction on your mental health. Sexual difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or relationship status.
Research summarized in a 2024 WHO Bulletin shows that sexual health risks such as sexual dysfunction are linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in both women and men (WHO Bulletin).
How sexual difficulties show up
Sexual dysfunction can involve several types of problems, including:
- Low sexual desire or interest
- Difficulty with arousal or lubrication
- Pain during sex
- Trouble reaching orgasm
- Erectile difficulties in men
The WHO Bulletin notes that women with low sexual desire often report higher levels of depression, and men with erectile or orgasmic issues report more psychological symptoms and lower quality of life (WHO Bulletin).
Sexual distress, meaning worry or negative feelings about your sexual life, is also linked with higher levels of anxiety and depression in couples. During pregnancy, sexual dysfunction in women is associated with increased depression, which shows how intertwined sexual and mental health can be at specific life stages (WHO Bulletin).
The link between sexual activity and mental wellbeing
Your overall level of sexual activity can also be connected to your psychological health. Reduced frequency of sexual activities has been associated with more psychological problems and lower mental health in both adults and older adults (WHO Bulletin).
This does not mean you must be sexually active to be healthy. Instead, it suggests that when your sexual life is not aligned with your needs or desires, it may reflect or contribute to emotional strain.
What you can do if you are struggling
If you notice ongoing sexual difficulties or distress, you are not alone, and you are not broken. You can:
- Talk to a healthcare provider about what you are experiencing. Many causes of sexual dysfunction, such as hormonal changes, medication side effects, or chronic illness, can be treated or managed.
- Consider counseling or sex therapy if emotional factors, relationship issues, or past experiences are affecting your sexual life.
- Have open conversations with your partner about pressure, expectations, and what feels good and comfortable for you.
- Pay attention to your mood and mental health. If you feel persistently low, anxious, or hopeless, reach out for mental health support. Sexual distress and depression often improve together when both are addressed (WHO Bulletin).
Sexual health is not just whether you can have sex, it is whether your sexual life supports your overall wellbeing and sense of self.
Putting it all together for your sexual health
When you think about “what are three sexual health risks,” it helps to see the full picture:
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STIs and their long term consequences
These infections can damage your fertility, organs, and overall health, often without obvious symptoms. Regular testing, safer sex practices, and vaccines where available go a long way toward protecting you. -
Sexual violence, coercion, and discrimination
These experiences violate your rights and your safety. They can affect your physical health, mental health, and ability to seek care. Your consent, identity, and boundaries always matter. -
Sexual dysfunction and its impact on mental health
Ongoing sexual problems or distress can be a source of anxiety and depression, and may also reflect underlying health conditions. Taking them seriously and seeking help is part of caring for your whole self.
Sexual health is an ongoing part of your overall wellness. You do not need to have all the answers at once. If you start by learning about these three risks, being honest with yourself about your experiences, and reaching out for support when you need it, you are already taking important steps toward a safer, more satisfying sexual life.
