Let’s be real: if you’re sexually active, anyone can get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). But some groups are more likely to get infected than others. It’s not just about who you are, but also your behaviors, access to care, and overall health. Knowing who’s most at risk can help you take better care of your sexual health and look out for your partners too. Here’s a breakdown of the groups more vulnerable to STDs, and what you can do to stay safe.
1. Young people (15–24 years)
If you’re in this age group, you’re not alone. Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are actually reported among young people.
Why the risk is higher: more likely to have multiple partners, try new things, skip condoms, or miss out on proper sex education. Some also don’t know where to get tested or may feel awkward about it.
How to protect yourself: use condoms every time, get the HPV vaccine, go for regular STD check-ups.
2. Men who have sex with men (MSM)
MSM are more likely to get infections like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and hepatitis.
Why the risk is higher: anal sex has a higher transmission risk, STDs are more common in MSM communities, and multiple or anonymous partners increase exposure.
How to protect yourself: use condoms (especially for anal sex), consider PrEP, get vaccinated for hepatitis A/B and HPV, and test regularly.
3. People with multiple sexual partners
More partners means more chances of being exposed.
Why the risk is higher: not all partners may get tested, condom use may be inconsistent, and communication around sexual health may be limited.
How to protect yourself: use condoms, test regularly, and talk openly with partners.
4. People with weakened immune systems
If your immune system is under pressure, infections can hit harder.
Why the risk is higher: harder to fight off infections, higher chance of complications, especially with STDs like HPV or herpes.
How to protect yourself: talk to your doctor, test more often, start treatment early if needed.
5. Sex workers
Sex workers may face more exposure and fewer resources.
Why the risk is higher: multiple or anonymous partners, limited healthcare access, fear of stigma or discrimination.
How to protect yourself: use condoms and barriers every time, test regularly, seek non-judgmental healthcare (like us!).
6. People with a history of STDs
Past infection increases future risk.
Why the risk is higher: easier to get reinfected, some STDs make others (like HIV) more likely, damage to the body can increase vulnerability.
How to protect yourself: keep up with testing, finish treatments fully, use protection, and communicate with partners.
7. People with limited access to healthcare
When testing and treatment aren’t available, STDs go unnoticed.
Why the risk is higher: fewer screenings, untreated infections, lack of information or education about sexual health.
How to protect yourself: find free or low-cost testing (we can help!), get informed, ask questions — no judgment here.
Bottom line: Anyone can get an STI, but not everyone has equal risk
Sexual health isn’t just about what you do, but also what you know and what you have access to. If you see yourself in one or more of the groups above, it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong; it just means you should be extra mindful.
Your sexual health matters. So do you.
Whether you have questions, want to get tested, or just don’t know where to start, the Healthcare Hub is here for you. We won’t judge. We’ll just help.
Stay safe. Get informed. Take care of yourself and each other.
More info
If you would like to read more about STI prevention or sexual health, you can find reliable information on the following websites:
- Soa Aids Nederland – general information about STIs and prevention
- Man to Man – sexual health for men who have sex with men
- Sense.info – STI testing and advice for young people
- Zanzu – sexual health explained in multiple languages
These sources offer accessible and trustworthy health information.
NEED TESTING OR STI ADVICE? HEALTHCARE HUB CAN HELP
Whether you’re seeking advice, testing, or just need more information, the Sexual Health Clinic of the Healthcare Hub Wageningen is your trusted partner in maintaining sexual well-being.
The services at the Sexual Health Clinic are not free of charge. You’ll need to book an appointment in advance so our healthcare team can give you the time and attention your situation deserves.
Get in touch with us today:
📞 Call Us: 0317-224180
✉️ Email Us: info@healthcarehub.nl
📅 Book an Appointment: Click here to schedule your visit
You can find the Healthcare Hub’s Sexual Health Clinic in the building of vaccinatiecentrum.nl Plantage 8, 6708 WJ Wageningen.
Take charge of your health – confidential, professional, and with you every step of the way.
This article was published on October, 28 2025
