The risk of STI is related both to the frequency of changing sexual partners, the number of different partners and to condom use. The evidence shows that high risk behaviour is still very common, particularly among the young.

The more partners, the higher the risk of STI.1

Around 1 in 3 men and 1 in 5 women aged 16-24 had multiple partners within the last year. 2

Use of condoms is also far from routine. Indeed, knowledge of the risk of HIV/AIDS and other STIs has not influenced the sexual behaviour of 38% of men and 35% of women. 2

Even when condoms are used, for more than 1 in 3 young men and 1 in 4 young women this is not as protection against STI.1

As a result the younger age groups in particular routinely take significant risks.3

Even from only a single act of unprotected sex, if the partner is infected the risk is high:

• A 1% chance of acquiring HIV 4
• A 30% chance of getting genital Herpes 4
• A 50% chance of contracting gonorrhoea 4