If you have ever wondered, “what are five unhealthy sexual behaviors?” you are already taking a positive step toward protecting your sexual health. Understanding which patterns put your body and mind at risk helps you make safer, more confident choices in your relationships.
Below, you will learn about five common unhealthy sexual behaviors, why they are harmful, and what you can do instead to support your overall well being.
Unprotected sex with partners
Unprotected sex is one of the most common unhealthy sexual behaviors. It includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or other barrier method.
Why unprotected sex is risky
When you have sex without a condom, you increase your risk of:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
- HIV infection
- Unintended pregnancy
For example, in 2022, young people aged 13 to 24 accounted for 19% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States, and half of all reported STIs occurred in people aged 15 to 24 (CDC). These numbers highlight how common unprotected sex and other risky behaviors are among young people.
In some settings, unprotected sex is very frequent. One study of adolescents in Spain found that about one in three 14 to 19 year olds did not use condoms during sex (PMC).
What healthy behavior looks like
- Use condoms or other barrier methods every time you have sex
- Learn how to put on and remove condoms correctly
- Combine condoms with another form of birth control if you want to avoid pregnancy
- Get tested regularly for STIs and encourage your partners to do the same
Abstinence from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the only method that is 100% effective at preventing HIV, STIs, and pregnancy, but if you are sexually active, consistent protection is your best tool for lowering risk (CDC).
Coercive or non‑consensual sex
Any sexual activity that happens without clear, ongoing consent is unhealthy. This includes pressure, manipulation, and outright force.
What coercive behavior can look like
Sexual coercion and abuse can involve:
- Being pressured or guilted into sex when you do not want it
- Being threatened with harm, breakup, or humiliation if you say no
- Being touched or penetrated while asleep, intoxicated, or unable to give consent
- Continuing sexual activity after you have said stop
Sexual coercion and abuse are linked to serious physical and psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and difficulty feeling safe in future relationships (Health Knowledge).
A history of partner violence is also connected with lower condom use among adolescents, partly because fear and control make it harder to insist on protection (PMC).
What healthy behavior looks like
- You and your partner both feel free to say yes or no
- Consent is enthusiastic, not reluctant or pressured
- Either of you can change your mind at any point
- You respect each other’s boundaries without argument or punishment
If you are experiencing sexual coercion or abuse, it is important to reach out to a trusted person or professional for support. You deserve relationships built on mutual respect and safety.
Compulsive or out‑of‑control sexual behavior
Another unhealthy sexual behavior is when sex becomes compulsive. This is sometimes called hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior.
When sexual behavior becomes unhealthy
Compulsive sexual behavior is characterized by:
- An intense, ongoing focus on sexual fantasies, urges, or activities
- Trouble cutting back or stopping, even when you want to
- Continuing behavior that harms your health, relationships, job, or self esteem
Examples of sexual behaviors that may become unhealthy include:
- Excessive masturbation that interferes with daily life
- Sexual arousal primarily through online messages or video chats when it disrupts relationships
- Involvement with many partners in risky ways
- Excessive use of pornography
- Paying for sex even when it causes financial or relational problems
These patterns are considered unhealthy when they are difficult to control and cause distress or harm (Mayo Clinic).
Compulsive sexual behavior can affect people of any gender or sexual orientation, although it is more commonly observed in men. It often occurs alongside other mental health or life stressors that increase vulnerability (Mayo Clinic).
What healthy behavior looks like
- Sexual thoughts and activities fit into your life rather than controlling it
- You are able to choose when to engage or not engage in sexual behavior
- Your sexual choices support your physical health and emotional wellbeing
- Sex enriches your relationships instead of harming them
If you feel your sexual behavior is out of control or is causing problems for you or others, seeking professional help is recommended. Without treatment, compulsive sexual behavior often gets worse over time (Mayo Clinic).
Dishonesty about STIs and sexual history
Being dishonest or secretive about your STI status or sexual history is another unhealthy behavior that can seriously affect your health and the health of others.
How dishonesty harms you and your partners
Unhealthy patterns include:
- Having sex without knowing your STI status
- Avoiding testing because you are scared of the results
- Not telling a partner about an STI diagnosis
- Hiding other important information, such as recent high risk encounters
Failing to inform partners about HIV or other STIs can lead to ongoing transmission, legal consequences, and a breakdown of trust in relationships (Health Knowledge).
Some infections, such as chlamydia or hepatitis B, can be present with few or no symptoms. Without diagnosis and treatment, these infections can spread silently and lead to infertility, chronic disease, and higher HIV transmission risk (Health Knowledge).
What healthy behavior looks like
- Getting regular STI screenings based on your level of sexual activity
- Sharing relevant test results with partners in a direct but respectful way
- Encouraging partners to get tested too
- Agreeing together on safer sex practices that feel right for both of you
Honest conversations about STI status and sexual history may feel uncomfortable at first, but they are a key part of a safe and trusting sexual relationship.
Sex tied to substance use and poor self‑care
The last unhealthy sexual behavior to be aware of is when sex becomes tied to heavy substance use and poor self care, or when you rely on drugs or alcohol to feel comfortable being sexual.
How substances and lifestyle choices affect sexual health
Certain patterns increase risk:
- Having sex while very intoxicated, which weakens judgment and consent
- Using alcohol or drugs to lower inhibitions or avoid difficult feelings
- Ignoring sleep, diet, or stress, which can disrupt sexual function and desire
These behaviors can also harm your physical ability to enjoy sex. For example:
- Excessive alcohol use worsens erectile function in the short and long term, even though small amounts may feel relaxing (University of Iowa Health Care)
- Smoking increases reactive oxygen species that interfere with nitric oxide, a key chemical for erections, and quitting smoking helps reduce this effect (University of Iowa Health Care)
- High stress causes blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood flow needed for erections and can even reduce the effectiveness of medications like Viagra and Cialis (University of Iowa Health Care)
- Poor diet, high blood sugar, and excess weight increase inflammation and reactive oxygen species, which can damage sexual function over time (University of Iowa Health Care)
What healthy behavior looks like
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding drugs when you are making sexual decisions
- Choosing sex when you feel present, alert, and able to give clear consent
- Supporting your sexual health with good sleep, balanced food choices, and regular movement
- Managing stress with coping tools like deep breathing, therapy, or journaling instead of only relying on sex or substances
Taking care of your body and mind gives you a stronger foundation for satisfying, safe sexual experiences.
How mental health and self‑esteem fit in
Across all these behaviors, your mental and emotional health plays an important role. When you are struggling inside, it can be harder to protect your sexual health.
Research in Spanish adolescents found that:
- Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were linked to a higher chance of not using condoms, with each increase in depression or anxiety scores raising the likelihood of skipping condoms by 19% (PMC)
- Low self esteem also made it harder for teens to insist on condom use and safer sex (PMC)
- Behavioral problems like school expulsions were associated with more unprotected sex (PMC)
This means that if you notice yourself engaging in unhealthy sexual behaviors, it may be helpful to look not just at the behavior itself, but also at your mood, stress levels, and sense of self worth.
Seeking support for depression, anxiety, or trauma is not only good for your mental health, it can also improve how you care for your body and your relationships.
Practical steps to move toward healthier sexual behavior
If you recognize yourself in any of these five unhealthy sexual behaviors, you are not alone, and change is possible. You can start small and build from there.
Simple changes you can try
Pick one or two of these steps to begin with:
- Schedule an STI screening if you have not had one recently
- Buy a box of condoms and practice using one so you feel more confident
- Set a limit on alcohol or drug use when you plan to be intimate
- Talk with a partner about boundaries, consent, and protection
- Reach out to a trusted friend, counselor, or healthcare provider about any behavior that feels out of control or unsafe
If you suspect compulsive sexual behavior or feel unable to change your patterns on your own, professional help is recommended, since this type of behavior often worsens without treatment (Mayo Clinic).
Key takeaways
When you ask “what are five unhealthy sexual behaviors?” you can think about these main areas:
- Having unprotected sex with partners
- Engaging in coercive or non consensual sexual activity
- Experiencing compulsive, out of control sexual behavior
- Being dishonest about STIs or sexual history
- Tying sex to heavy substance use and poor self care
By understanding how each of these affects your health, you can make more intentional choices that protect your body, your emotions, and your relationships.
You deserve a sexual life that feels safe, respectful, and aligned with your values. Even one small shift, such as using a condom every time or having a direct conversation about consent, can move you closer to the kind of sexual health you want.
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