The Difference Between An STD and an STI
By Leslie K. Hughes
Though many people are under the assumption that STDs and STIs are the same, we are here to set the record straight. STD and STIs are not the same things. Though they are related, there is one major difference that sets the two apart.
What is the difference between an STD and an STI?
An STD is a sexually transmitted disease. An STI is a sexually transmitted infection.
What does this really mean? An STI is an infection that happens through sexual activity that may not lead to symptoms and may not end up becoming an STD.
All sexually transmitted diseases begin as sexually transmitted infections. Infection is what occurs when the bacteria or virus makes its way into the body. There it may stay as just an infection, or may progress into a disease (sexually transmitted disease).
This does not mean that STIs are to be taken lightly, however. There are some STIs that lead to major problems, including infertility for some. And there are also some STIs that don’t show any symptoms, so you could unknowingly pass them to others. Thus, it’s important that, if you’re sexually active, you get tested for STDs regularly.
What is an STI?
An STI is an infection that is transmitted via sexual contact. They come in the form of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The chances of getting an STI via kissing are rare. Any exchange of bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact with the area of active infection can lead to the spreading of the bacteria, virus, or parasite.
STIs are more common than people may think. According to the World Health Organization, “more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.” And, unfortunately, most of those infections are asymptomatic, which often means people have no idea that they have an STI and may be passing it to others. This drives home the importance of regular STD testing if you are sexually active.
What is an STD?
All STDs start as STIs, but not all STIs become STDs. When the virus or bacteria enter into the body and start to multiply, thus causing issues with regular body functions, they then become diseases.
STDs are continuing to reach new highs. According to the CDC, reported STDs in the United States reached an all-time high for the sixth year in a row in 2019.
What are the symptoms of an STI?
Some people may have an STI and experience no symptoms.
However, symptoms are sometimes associated with an STI, and they may include the following:
Irregular discharge
Sores in the genital or anal area
Warts in the genital or anal area
Itchiness or redness around the sores
Sores around the mouth
Sores in the mouth
Pain while urinating
Burning while urinating
Strange vaginal odor
Pain during sex
Swollen groin lymph nodes
Fever
Lower abdominal pain
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Some symptoms may show up just days after exposure, while some may not show up for years.
When should I see a doctor?
If you are showing any of the above symptoms, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
To reduce your risk of getting an STI or an STD, you want to go for STD testing regularly. Though the CDC recommends getting tested for STDs annually, you should get tested if the following situations occur:
Unprotected sex
Sex with a new partner
Multiple sexual partners
Potential STI exposure
Not all STIs can be detected immediately, however. Sometimes the infection takes a few days to show up in your body, while sometimes the infection takes years.
What does an STI/STD test look like?
The best way to test for an STI or an STI is to do a combination of a blood test and a urine test. These two different approaches to testing can check for different STIs and STDs, so it is important to find a doctor who will do both.
How do I prevent getting an STI or STD?
The best way to protect yourself from getting an STI or STD is to use protection when having sex and to get tested for STDs regularly.
