What is the difference between sexually transmitted disease and infection

Infection occurs with the sexually transmitted bacteria or virus first enters the body and begins multiplying. Once the sexually transmitted bacteria or viruses have entered the body, the infection may progress into a disease. Another reason for the emergence of the term STI is due to stigma. Terms like venereal disease and sexually transmitted disease have existed for so long that they have a bad connotation.

Already, venereal disease was changed out for sexually transmitted disease. Now, many people prefer to use the term sexually transmitted infection. Perhaps in another 50 years, there will be another term introduced. This is possibly due to the perception that an infection is less serious or severe. These microorganisms are not normally present. As these microorganisms enter the body and begin multiplying, they may do so without any signs or symptoms.

A sexually transmitted infection occurs when these microorganisms are transmitted from an infected partner to an uninfected partner through oral, vaginal, or anal sexual activity and sometimes, though rarely, through mutual masturbation.

The infected partner may not be aware they are infected and are capable of transmitting the infection to others without even knowing it. A sexually transmitted disease on the other hand is a sexually acquired infection that has impaired normal functioning of a body part and is apparent by certain signs and symptoms.

In the past, sexually transmitted infections and diseases were all lumped under the category of STDs. However, in an attempt to highlight the fact that people may be infected with a microorganism like Gonorrhea and not know it, the medical and public health communities began to more accurately refer to them as sexually transmitted infections.

Infections occur when pathogens like viruses, bacteria, or parasites enter your body and start to multiply. How they get into your body depends on the type of pathogen. Some get in through skin-to-skin contact with a person who has an infection; others are transmitted through an exchange of bodily fluids, like semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Infection progresses to disease when these pathogens cause damage to your cells, and signs and symptoms appear.

Take HPV , for example. HPV usually clears up on its own without causing any health problems. This then makes it a disease. Symptoms can take days, weeks, or even years to appear, if they do at all, which is why testing is important. More on that in a sec. For the record, this goes for any types of sexual activity, including vaginal and anal sex, oral rimming , too! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends yearly screening for all sexually active adults, but a good general rule of thumb is to get tested if you:.

STIs have an incubation period. Incubation periods vary between infections, from a few days for chlamydia and gonorrhea to months or years for HPV and syphilis. Depending on your situation, they can advise you on the next steps, like when to get tested or about preventive measures, such as post-exposure prophylaxis PEP if you may have been exposed to HIV. Ask your healthcare provider about the best screening schedule for you based on your individual risk factors. If you receive a positive result, your healthcare provider will prescribe a treatment or management plan depending on the diagnosis.

Not sure how to tell them? This guide can help.