STDs and STIs are common in sexually active teens and adults. As the social climate changes, more and more people are talking about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more openly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI. In fact, chances are that you already have a good idea of what an STD or STI is. If you find yourself wondering what the difference between an STD and STI is, you’re far from alone.
Are you itching for answers? Let’s try to get to the bottom of this question!
STD or STI, What’s the Difference?
The Difference Between STI vs STD: Three Views
“STD” stands for sexually transmitted disease, while “STI” is short for sexually transmitted infection. You probably already knew that, and you are hoping to find out whether there is any functional or practical difference between the terms infection and disease.
The answer is more complicated than it appears at first glance, primarily because not everyone in the medical field agrees about the differences between STIs and STDs.
Three Main Views
STI vs STD Viewpoint #1
STDs and STIs are simply two different terms that denote the same diagnoses or underlying disease processes. The CDC also takes this view on STDs and STIs. On the CDC web page about sexually transmitted diseases the Centers for Disease Control refer to “sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs”.
STI vs STD Viewpoint #2
Although there is a general consensus that both terms refer to the same diagnoses — such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, syphilis, and viral forms of hepatitis — there is a second view, however. This would be that the term STD should refer to cases in which symptoms are present, while STIs should refer to asymptomatic cases.
STI vs STD Viewpoint #3
The third view is that it is better to say STI because the term STD has attracted stigma and shame. The aim is to make patients and the general public more comfortable discussing sexual health problems. The idea that infection has less of a negative connotation than disease could be linked to the fact that infections are more scientifically ascertainable than diseases.
Diving Deeper: What Exactly Are Diseases and Infections?
Infections
Scientific journals define infections as situations in which pathogens enter the body, leading to a disease process. Those pathogens can be viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even parasites.
The flu, polio, ebola, strep throat, tetanus, thrush, athlete’s foot, and malaria are all examples of infections. Infections are frequently contagious. As a result, one human host can transmit the infection to other people.
Infections can be differentiated from other diseases and medical conditions that are not caused by microorganisms, such as cancer, diabetes, depression, and bone fractures. Once the appropriate tools are developed for each infection, the presence or absence of the infection can be clinically determined using laboratory tests.
Diseases
Defining disease is much harder. Do you work outside of the medical field? If so, you may be surprised to learn that entire papers have been written and published in peer-reviewed (scientific) journals to debate what the precise definition of disease should be. However, researchers still haven’t been able to arrive at an answer.
Most people would presume a disease to be a state of being ill, in a way that causes symptoms or physical damage to the body. They would certainly refer to infections as diseases, but they would also include other conditions like cancer or hypertension. Because the nature of a disease is so tricky to define, there is a clear argument in favor of choosing the term sexually transmitted infections over sexually transmitted diseases.
Many sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, viral hepatitis, and HPV can remain asymptomatic for a very long time. While a person might carry an infection, they do not have to feel ill. Therefore, speaking about diseases perpetuates the false idea that all STIs lead to symptoms.
STI vs STD FAQs
How do you get an STD/STI?
An STD/STI, or sexually-transmitted disease/infection, can be contracted through sexual contact/sexual activities such as oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal intercourse, as well as through non-sexual means like childbirth or breastfeeding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States alone, there are 19 million reported cases of STDs/STIs each year.
Since many STDs/STIs do not display noticeable symptoms, it is not uncommon for individuals to contract STDs/STIs unknowingly. Also, some UTI symptoms are similar to sexually transmitted disease symptoms, such as pain or burning with urination, making it harder to diagnose. It is important to note, however, that UTIs are not sexually transmitted and are not contagious. To protect one’s sexual health and the well-being of their partner(s), it is recommended that sexually active individuals undergo STI/STD testing once or twice a year.
STDs can be contracted in various ways, such as:
- Having unprotected sex with an infected partner
- Coming into contact with contaminated food that contains fecal matter (which can transfer hepatitis A)
- Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV or herpes.
- Sharing damp towels, sheets, or clothing can also increase the likelihood of contracting Trichomoniasis
- Individuals who share needles or razors are at a higher risk of developing and spreading STDs due to the risk of breaking the skin and mixing blood
STI vs STD: How to Tell the Difference
Not getting an STI test means remaining unaware of the presence of the infection. Therefore, that ultimately also increases the risk of transmitting it to other people. This may explain why more and more health organizations have trended toward embracing the term STI over STD in more recent years.
Can a UTI Turn into an STD?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are two distinct types of infections, but they can sometimes share similar symptoms. However, a UTI does not turn into an STD.
While both UTIs and STDs can cause discomfort and similar symptoms, they are different conditions with different causes and treatments. However, someone with an untreated STD can develop a secondary UTI due to the inflammation and irritation caused by the STD. Therefore, it’s important to seek medical attention for any symptoms of infection, especially if they persist or worsen.
Additional Information:
UTI or STD: How to Tell the Difference
What Are The Most Common STDs?
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