Why do people have unprotected sex if they know the risks?

People have unprotected sex even when they know the risks because knowing something and acting on it are two different things.

Most people who have unprotected sex know it's not the safest option. But in the moment, other things take over. It feels better without a condom. They don't have one on them. They've been drinking. They don't want to kill the mood by stopping. They trust the other person. They think "it probably won't happen to me." Usually it's some combination of those.

There's also pressure. Some people feel awkward about asking to use protection, or worry their partner will think they don't trust them. Some people get pressured into not using one. And some people just haven't thought about it until it's too late.

The best thing you can do is make the decision before you're in the moment. Have condoms with you. Know what you'll say if someone pushes back. That way it's not a decision you're trying to make when everything else is going on.

People have unprotected sex even when they know the risks because knowing something and doing something about it are two different things.

In the moment, other things take over. It feels better without a condom. They do not have one. They have been drinking. They do not want to stop and sort it out. They think it probably will not happen to them.

Some people also feel too awkward to ask about using protection. Some get pressured into not using it.

The best thing you can do is decide before you are in the moment. Have condoms with you. Know what you will say if someone pushes back.