These are the consequences of sleeping with a… See more

That kind of headline is designed to create curiosity. Yet when the subject involves sexual health, the reality is more nuanced than a frightening social-media post might suggest.

Sexual intimacy itself is not inherently harmful. The potential consequences depend on factors such as consent, protection, contraception, STI status, emotional circumstances and the nature of the relationship.

Here are some of the important considerations people should actually know.

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections Are a Real Consideration

Sexual contact can transmit infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV and HIV.

A person may have an STI without experiencing obvious symptoms, which means appearance or assumptions about someone’s health history cannot reliably determine whether they have an infection.

Using condoms or other barrier methods correctly can reduce the risk of many STIs, although they do not eliminate every possible risk.

Testing is also an important part of responsible sexual health, particularly when entering a new relationship or after a potential exposure.

2. Pregnancy Can Be an Unexpected Consequence

For people capable of becoming pregnant, unprotected vaginal sex can result in pregnancy—even after a single encounter.

Contraception can substantially reduce the likelihood of pregnancy when used correctly. Different methods have different effectiveness rates, so choosing an appropriate method with a healthcare professional can be helpful.

If unprotected sex has already occurred and pregnancy is not desired, emergency contraception may be an option depending on timing and individual circumstances.