Believe it or not, STD rates are higher than ever in the United States. According to CNN, the annual report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was released on October 19, 2016. The report showed that the rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis -- the three most commonly reported STD's in the nation -- increased between 2014 and 2015, reaching an all-time high.

STD's are a touchy topic. When you're in a relationship (or just looking for some fun) STD's aren't the first thing on your mind. But you might want to change your perspective a little bit.

There are a lot of factors that can go into contracting and spreading an STD:

1. Unprotected Sex

Although not a guarantee in contracting an STD, unprotected sex increases the chance to get an STD among sexually active people.

2. Being Under 25

Oddly enough, young women are more biologically susceptible to contracting STD's than older women.

3. Illicit Drug Use

Drug influence makes easier to engage in risky sexual behaviors. Also, injection drug use increases risk of blood-bone diseases.

4. Serial Monogamy

People who practice serial monogamy are likely to be tempted to stop using safer sex precautions.

5. Multiple Partners

The more partners you have, the more likely it is that you will be exposed to an STD.

6. Alcohol Use

People who use alcohol on a regular basis, particularly in social situations, may be less discriminating about whome they choose to have sex with.

7. Trading Sex for Money/Drugs

People who trade sex for money or drugs may not be sufficiently empowered to negotiate that sex be safer sex.

8. Having an STD

Having an STD frequently makes a person more susceptible to infection by other STD's.

9. Community with a High Prevalence of STD's

People living in high STD prevalence areas are likely to be exposed to an STD any time they have sex or require blood transfusion.

10. Having a High Risk STD Partner

A person with sex partner(s) possessing risky characteristics provides strongest predictor for STD's.

11. Control Pills as Your Sole Form of Contraception

Once protected from pregnancy, some people are reluctant to use condoms as part of their sexual routine.

Those were just a few things that could prevent you from contracting an STD. So BE SMART! Use protection! Do your research! Choose your partners wisely and don't be afraid to ask them if they've been checked for STD's! Put yourself and your health first!