STDs vs STIs: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Explained

STDs and STIs are important when sexual health is concerned. Sexual health is a core component of overall well being yet we see a great deal of confusion around the terms STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD (sexually transmitted disease).

Many may use these terms synonymously, but health experts point out important differences that, in turn, play a role in how we discuss, diagnose, and treat these issues.

In this blog we will take you through the main differences between the terms, the importance of our choice of words, the issues related to health and stigma and also what you need to know about prevention, testing and care.

What Are STDs and STIs?

• STI : An STI is a disease that mainly propagates through sexual contact of any kind including via vagina, anus, or mouth. It also includes the presence of certain microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the body that may or may not present with symptoms. Also note that the term infection is used to report a pathogen’s entry and growth in the body which does not always translate into what we recognize as disease or physical damage to organs.
• STD: STDs and STIs are related as an STD is the result of an STI which has progressed to the point of presenting with symptoms or health issues. Disease is a term for when the body’s normal functions are disrupted which we see play out in the form of tell tale symptoms, organ failure, or via a diagnosed health issue.

Why did we move between STDs and STIs?

For two decades we have seen the shift from use of the term “STD” to “STI” which is due to:

• Accuracy: Not at all times do we see disease result from infection. In most cases of infection there are no symptoms which does not mean the infection is not present and thus is still able to be passed on.
• Reducing Stigma: The term disease brings out fear and shame which in turn adds to the social stigma of sexually transmitted conditions. Infection is a term which is less charged and more so encourages open discussion, testing and seeking care.
• Prevention Focus: Medical at risk based strategies for public health to identify and treat infections at first sign of issue which in turn also sees a shift towards the use of the term STI.

Despite that which may be changing, “STD” is still a term that the public at large is familiar with and which is put forth by patients and health facilities also in everyday speech.

The Key Difference between STDs and STIs: In Illness Versus Health

STI (Sexually Transmitted Illness) STD (Sexually Transmitted Disorder). Presence of a pathogen which may not produce symptoms. That which was infected has now developed symptoms/disease.

• Symptoms that may include: No apparent symptoms at all, or may see a range of health issues.
• Public Health Focus: Treat and prevent at the onset of issue. Usually addressed after symptoms present.

Examples of infection include: Chlamydia, HPV, HIV at early stages and Syphilis in its late stages, HPV which causes cancer and warts, and AIDS.

Note: All STDs begin as STIs but what we see is that not all of them go on to become diseases. If they don’t produce symptoms or health issues they are still classified as infections not diseases.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: I am healthy

Fact: Many STIs like chlamydia or HPV may present no symptoms. They still can be passed on and may cause health issues if left untreated.

Myth: STDs and STIs are the same

Fact: While we tend to use them in the same way at times the issue is important in terms of risk, the need for testing, and early intervention.

Myth: Only in this group do you see many STIs

Fact: Any sexually active person can get an STI which may be from a single or multiple partners.

Examples of STDs and STIs

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Most issues go away by themselves and do not cause symptoms. If persistent HPV may result in warts or specific cancers in which case it causes disease.
• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: These bacteria may present without symptoms but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease or sterility if left untreated.
• HIV: At first asymptomatic but may progress to AIDS known to weaken the immune system.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment  

STIs are prevalent these days and what we see today is that over 25 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections are reported in the U.S. each year. Especially those in the 15-24 age group account for the largest number.

Also because STI symptoms may not present at all times, it is very important for all who are sexually active to get screened at regular intervals even if you feel fine.

Why Get Tested?

• Early identification leads to better treatment and also reduced risk of complications.
• Reduces transmission to partners.
• Improves your long term reproductive, sexual, and general health.

Recognizing Symptoms

STDs and STIs symptoms vary, but may include:

• Itchiness, pain, or abnormal discharge from the genital, anal, or oral areas.
• Break out, sores, or rashes in or around genitals, mouth, or anus.
• Pain during sex or urination
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (for women)
• Swollen lymph nodes

Also keep in mind that many infections don’t present any symptoms.

Prevention and Reducing Risk

• Use Condoms and Dental Dams: When properly used they greatly reduce (but not eliminate) risk.
• Limit Number of Partners: Fewer partners reduce transmission chances.
• Regular Screening: Particularly if you have a new or multiple partners.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are an option for some STIs which include HPV and hepatitis B.
• Open Communication: Open discussions with partners on health issues and sex history.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

• If you are a sexually active person who has never been tested.
• If you notice symptoms or a partner reports having an STDs and STIs.
• Before you have sex with a new partner.

Most STIs are treatable, common examples like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can even be fully cured with antibiotics. As for others which include HIV and herpes that are manageable with medication that will in turn control symptoms and reduce transmission.

Tackling Stigma: Why words matter

• Using that which is labeled “infection” as opposed to “disease” we see a change in public perception.
• Promotes the message that testing is for everyone and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
• Shifts the focus to prevention and care.
• Promotes open dialogue between partners and health care providers.

STDs and STIs: The real difference matters

STDs and STIs represent the same health condition and relate to sexually transmitted pathogen episodes, however, STI is more precise and less stigmatizing. STDs and STIs ate interrelated, at first STD’s start as STI’s but not all STIs infections become disease.

Early detection, prevention, and open communication are the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Conduct frequent check-ups and safe sex behavior as a way of guaranteeing sexual health throughout life.

Talk to a medical expert in case you experience any doubts or concerns regarding sexual health. Keep in mind that the information about this difference and corresponding actions may save your health and that of your close ones.