STD vs STI: Understanding the Difference
STDs and STIs are very common, and millions of new cases occur in the US alone every year.
They are caused through sexual interactions like anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
Therefore, both an STD and STI are sexually transmitted.
Another common thing is that both require testing for diagnosis.
Then, are STI and STD the same?
This article does a detailed analysis of STD vs STI, and shares when to get tested, treatment options, and more.
Difference between STI and STD
The difference in one word displays the primary difference between STI and STD.
STI has the word ‘infection,’ and STD has the word ‘disease’ under its name.
This indicates that both are not the same.
So, what is the difference between STI and STD?
The table given below shows the STI vs STD difference:
| Aspects | STI | STD |
|---|---|---|
| Definition: | Stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted through sexual contact | Sexually Transmitted Disease, infections that have advanced to the point of causing symptoms or clinical manifestations |
| Progression: | Initial stage of the infection, which may or may not cause symptoms | An STD is when the infection progresses to cause symptoms |
| Presence of symptoms: | Individuals with an STI may or may not experience symptoms. | Infections have progressed to causing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, discharge, etc. |
| Medical intervention: | Even if asymptomatic, early detection of STIs and treatment are crucial for preventing them from progressing to STDs | Treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and addressing the underlying infection |
| Perspectives and terminology evolution: | The term is preferred because it’s more accurate, less stigmatizing, and includes infections without symptoms. | The term was traditionally used to describe these infections and has a lot of stigma attached to it |
| Prevention and education: | The term is often used in the context of prevention and education | STD emphasizes the presence of symptoms and the need for prompt medical attention |
When to get a test: STI or STD symptoms
It can be difficult for people to figure out when to get tested for an STI or STD.
STD symptoms will be associated with the type of infection it has developed from.
People should remember that symptoms might take days or even years to surface or may not appear at all.
Noticeable symptoms usually mean that an STI has turned into an STD.
However, an individual can take events in their life as a sign of times when it would be better to get tested.
The instances when one can choose to go for an STI or STD test include:
- Getting a new sexual partner
- Neither of the couple has had sexual interaction with others but hasn’t been tested in three to six months
- Have no idea about sexual partner’s sexual health status
- Had sex with someone affected with STI or STD
This section discusses the symptoms that will help people understand the STI vs STD testing needs.
The typical STI symptoms include
- Unusual discharge coming from the vagina or penis
- Warts or sores in the vaginal or anal region
- Redness or itching around the lesions
- Sores within and outside the mouth
- A painful or burning sensation while peeing
- Unusual vaginal odor
- Sex-related pain
- Groin lymph nodes that are swollen
The STD symptoms can be the same, different, or more severe than the ones listed above.
Some of the STD symptoms are:
- High temperature
- Tiredness
- Memory
- Nausea
- alterations in vision and hearing
- Loss of weight
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A doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose the type of STI:
- Physical exam: A doctor might do a physical or pelvic check to search for symptoms of infection
- Swab tests: In this test, a specific swab will be used by a healthcare professional to collect a sample from the infection site. Swab tests are performed to determine the presence of HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Herpes
- Blood tests: To detect certain illnesses such as Syphilis or HIV, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample (either a finger prick or a blood draw)
- Urine tests: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be detected through urine testing. An individual will deliver a urine sample in a sterile cup as directed by their healthcare professional during the test
- Fluid samples: Fluid samples can be collected from the vagina or penis to be observed under a microscope for organisms like the parasite that causes Trichomoniasis
Treatment
Antibiotics can treat and cure STIs and STDs caused by bacteria and parasites, not viral infections.
These antibiotics can be given as an oral tablet for many days or as a single injection.
STIs caused by viruses, such as HIV, are typically treated with antiviral or antiretroviral drugs taken orally.
The treatment choice and their outcomes are dependent on the virus.
Regardless, treatments are usually successful in managing the symptoms and checking the spread of the infection or disease.
Although there is no known cure, the majority of viral STIs are treatable, provided the affected people take all their medicines properly as prescribed.
Visit a doctor soon to learn about the reason behind your symptoms.
Prevention
The easiest method to avoid an STI is to prevent it.
Preventative measures like condoms and dental dams, for example, can considerably minimize the chance of an STI spreading.
Additionally, other vaccinations are available for particular illnesses, such as HPV and Hepatitis B.
Thus, several steps may be performed to avoid STIs, such as:
- Abstinence: The most efficient strategy to avoid STIs is to avoid sexual activity completely
- Mutual Monogamy: One of the most dependable methods to avoid STIs is to maintain a mutually monogamous relationship for a long time with an uninfected partner
- Use of Condoms: The risk of infection gets decreased by wearing a latex or polyurethane condom during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse
- Immunization: Getting vaccinated before having sex might help avoid contracting some sexually transmitted illnesses, including HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B
It’s crucial to remember that tests may be performed to detect STI infection even without symptoms.
Individuals will be able to learn whether they have an STI and take necessary precautions.
Conclusion
While the terms STD and STI are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
An STI is an initial infection that may or may not cause symptoms.
At the same time, an STD develops when the infection causes symptoms of the disease.
It’s essential to get tested regularly for both STIs and STDs, as some infections can be present without causing symptoms.
Early detection and treatment are necessary for preventing STIs from progressing to STDs, which need medical attention due to the presence of symptoms.
A doctor can suggest various tests to detect the type of STI.
Bacterial STIs can be treated and cured using antibiotics.
Antivirals and antiretrovirals can be used to treat viral infections; however, they are mostly incurable.
If one thinks they have an STI or STD, they should always visit a healthcare practitioner and take all treatments as advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if you had unprotected sex with someone without STI or STD?
Unprotected sex with a partner free of STIs or STDs reduces the immediate risk of infection. However, it does not guarantee long-term safety. Regular testing, open communication, and practicing safe sex remain essential for maintaining sexual health and preventing future transmission of infections.
Which STI or STD does the fishy odor come from?
A fishy odor is commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or STD. BV results from an imbalance of vaginal bacteria. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if experiencing unusual odors or symptoms in the genital area.
Is there a difference between STDs and STIs?
Yes, there is a distinction between STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). While both terms are often used interchangeably, STIs refer to infections that may not necessarily cause symptoms. In contrast, STDs specifically imply the presence of symptoms or clinical manifestations.
Is STI or STD curable?
Some STIs are curable with appropriate medical treatment, such as bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. However, viral infections like HIV and Herpes (HSV) are not curable but can be managed with medications to control symptoms and reduce transmission risk. Regular testing and safe practices are crucial for prevention.
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