02/07/2021
STD Vs. STI
STD stands for s*xually transmitted disease, while STI is s*xually transmitted infection. These terms are often used interchangeably.
**How STIs and STDs Occur**
Infections occur during an invasion of the body by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The infection may eventually progress into a disease.
Typically, an infection can cause symptoms and complications disrupting the normal functioning and processes of the body, while a disease causes specific health complications. A common example is the progression of syphilis, a bacterial STI that can result in paralysis or blindness if left untreated. Transmission of syphilis has doubled since 2010.
**Origin of The Terms**
The stigma associated with the term “STD” led to the term “STI.” The word “disease” has a negative connotation, unlike the word “Infection.” Therefore, the subtleness of the term STI is meant to help people feel safe and comfortable and get tested to prevent the spread of infection.
**Differences in Symptoms**
While carriers with STDs show symptoms, most carriers of STIs show no signs of the infection (are asymptomatic). Chlamydia and gonorrhea are often asymptomatic and can spread through any s*xual contact with another person. Therefore, the only way of knowing if one is carrying an STI is by getting regularly tested to curb the progression of an infection.
**Bacterial Vs. Viral STIs**
Bacterial STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) can be easily cured with a course of antibiotics. In contrast, viral STIs (e.g., HIV/AIDS, HPV) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed with antiviral medication. Chlamydia is the most common STI, with nearly 70% of women showing no signs when infected- this emphasizes the importance of getting tested after unprotected s*x even if you are asymptomatic.
**Common Symptoms of STIs and STDs**
- Pain while urinating
- Painful blisters around the urogenital area
- Unusual discharge from ge****ls
- Fleshy growths around the ge****ls
- Tingling or itching around the ge****ls
- In men, pain in the testicles
- In women, irregular periods or bleeding after s*x
- In women, pain in the pelvis or abdomen
**How STIs are Transmitted**
- Non-s*xual activity, e.g., sharing needles.
- Unprotected s*xual activity e.g., va**nal, a**l, or oral s*x.
- Intimate skin contact, e.g., kissing someone with cold sores.
**How to Stay Safe**
- Since STIs are caused by the exchange of bodily fluids, prevention of infection includes condoms or other barrier methods like dental dams for oral s*x.
- Avoid sharing s*x toys
- Get tested