What is STD and STI?
Remember when the phrase "sexually transmitted disease" (STD) was introduced in middle school? It likely sparked laughter and awkward glances, positioned between lessons on reproduction and menstruation.Years later, these same infections are often referred to as STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Many now find themselves confused, as they recall their middle school selves.
Confused about the difference between STDs and STIs? You're not alone! STDs and STIs are essentially the same: they refer to the same set of viruses and conditions, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Angela Jones, M.D., an ob-gyn at Healthy Woman Obstetrics and Gynecology in Monmouth, NJ, states that the primary distinction between the two terms is that one is symptomatic (STD) while the other (STI) is not.
Jones states that an infection, such as chlamydia, may not have any associated signs or symptoms. He clarified that a disease entails the presence of symptoms and can only be diagnosed if they are present. This is why practitioners often opt to refer to such infections as STIs, since many of them may not cause symptoms (e.g. herpes).
Dr. Teena Chopra, a medical director specializing in infection prevention and epidemiology at Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University, confirms, pointing out that “the definition of STI is broader than STD and includes people infected with sexually transmitted pathogen, regardless of whether or not they experience symptoms.” Chopra adds, “It is likely that the term STI exists to encompass some infections, such as herpes virus or human papilloma virus (HPV), which may not cause symptoms for months or years, or never cause any symptoms.”
A further factor in STI's growing prevalence compared to STD is that the term STD has a negative connotation due to its association with the word "disease'. Dr. X observes, "Infection somehow appears more 'acceptable'. In my field of obstetrics and gynecology, we prefer to use the term STI."
Replacing the term STD with STI may reduce the taboo and social stigma, and may facilitate individuals in seeking medical help.In fact, using a sex doll torso is also an effective way to avoid STDs & STIs.
STD vs STI: Common Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
By 25, approximately half of Americans have an STI. In 2017, there were nearly 2.3 million STD diagnoses. It's important to be aware of the distinction between an STD and STI to ensure your sexual health. Learn the difference between the two illnesses with our guide below.
STD Vs. STI
The major difference between STDs and STIs lies in the name. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, while STI concerns a sexually transmitted infection. Generally, the distinction exists between a disease and an infection. Not all diseases result from infections, but many do. Often, STDs will start as an STI, which occurs when the sexually transmitted bacteria or virus enters the body and reproduces. When this foreign presence disrupts the body's normal operations, the infection may then progress to a disease.
Origins of the Terms
The emergence of the term STI is partly due to the stigma attached to words like venereal disease and sexually transmitted disease. The use of "disease" in these phrases has caused them to be seen as negative. In contrast, using "infection" in the term STI is deemed less serious and is thus preferred by many. Though technically not interchangeable, even doctors are now using STI instead of STD. Stigma can sometimes be as damaging as the diseases themselves.
Getting Tested
Many individuals don't get tested for STDs and STIs due to stigma. This can lead to the transmission of diseases, as the carrier may be unaware of their infection status. To combat this, medical professionals are promoting less stigmatized terms to encourage people to get tested. It's essential for people to feel supported and safe and to be aware of their status in order to prevent the spread of disease. Symptoms of an STD, the advanced stage of an STI, may be present, but some carriers show no signs. Ultimately, the only way to know is to get regularly tested after sexual activity.
Dealing with STDs and STIs
Gaining knowledge and understanding the distinction between an STD and an STI is a key factor in protecting oneself. In addition, employing preventive measures such as using protection can help reduce the risk of contracting diseases. Should you need further clarification, the experts at State Urgent Care are available to provide more information.
