I believe everyone has heard the term Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) before, and most know it is something you get from sexual contact. But have you heard the term Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) before? Do you know what it means?

An STI is an infection that can be spread from one to person another during sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Sounds just like an STD, right? You’d almost be right.

Some medical experts in the area of public health are now using the term STI instead of STD. The reason for this is that the D in STD stands for disease, meaning there should be a clear medical problem. However, a lot of people will have mild to no symptoms when they are infected with an STD and will have no clear medical problem.

So by changing the Disease (D) to Infection (I), you get a term that more accurately reflects what happens. An infection that is spread through sexual contact that may or may not lead to symptoms and/or a medical problem. When the STI does cause symptoms and/or a medical problem, it can once again be called an STD.

STDs that can be called STIs include; chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, herpes, genital warts (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Some of these can cause major medical problems, but as mentioned, until those problems occur, the term STI can be applied.

Preventing STIs can be accomplished in the same method as preventing STDs. Have sex with only one trusted partner who has tested negative for STIs or make sure to use protection like condoms. However, condoms can not prevent all STIs, since some like herpes and HPV can infect areas that a condom does not cover.

One final note on STIs. By the very definition of the term, you will not be able to know if someone has one. Someone who has one won’t even know, unless tested. Don’t assume someone is uninfected either. Up to 75% of sexual active adults will get an STI. So remember to use protection and have your sexual partner(s) and yourself tested.