STI’s and STD’s are infections and diseases that can develop through unsafe sex. People often do not know the difference between an STI and an STD and feel confused by both terms. It is also vital to break the stigma surrounding these sexual health topics, and encourage people to ask questions, know the signs and get checked when necessary.

If you are sexually active (whether you have one or multiple sexual partners) you should be responsibly engaging in safe sex, as well as having some knowledge on what to look out for to keep you and your partner(s) safe. You should know when you may require an STI Test.

What Is The Difference Between An STI And An STD?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, whilst STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. STI’s can often lead to STDs, but this is not always the case. In medical terminology, infection is the entrance of a micro-organism into the human body. In the case of sexually transmitted infections, that microbe can be a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

Other entry routes may include contact with contaminated needles, breastmilk, blood transfusion, and salivary contact. Any of these can bring the infective agent into the body.

But the next question which arises is the growth and replication of that infective agent. If that invader successfully grows in the human body, and makes the body deviate from regular activity, then it will be known as a disease.

There are chances of no signs or symptoms at the early stage of infection as the microbe has to escape from the immune system and find a suitable site for growth. However, as this starts growing, it can lead to harm in the body which turns out to be a state of disease.

The best example is to understand the mechanism of the Human Papilloma Virus. As the virus enters the body, it will only lead to a condition called to an STI. But if this starts developing warts and other physical changes around the genitals, it can be referred to as disease.

When To Visit Your Physician?

Some microbes do not present themselves symptomatically or obviously when they have entered the body, hence why it can be impossible to detect them in the early stages. In the case of HIV, the virus remains undetected as long as the immune system keeps fighting it. But when the immune system fails to stop the virus, secondary infections and a decreased number of white blood cells indicate HIV infection, highlighting that the person has AIDS.

You should visit your physician once a year to be safe. However, if you feel or see anything unusual regarding you or your partner’s genitals, or changes to your body during or after sex, you are encouraged to have a check up.

Jane Iredale

Jane has worked with world-renowned plastic surgeons and dermatologists in the development of her line and lectures all over the world on its benefits.