STI or STD: What’s the difference, and why it matters
You’ve likely heard the terms sexually transmitted infection (STI) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) used interchangeably. But there’s an important distinction between them. An STI occurs when a virus, fungus, bacteria or parasite passes from person to person, typically through sexual contact, resulting in an infection. Initially, the STI may not cause any symptoms. But as the infection progresses and symptoms develop, the STI is then considered an STD. Keep reading to learn more about STIs, how to know if you may have one, and a simple, affordable and discreet at-home STI testing and treatment option.
How STIs are passed from person to person
STIs are very common. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), every day more than 1 million people ages 15 to 49 acquire an STI. The most common way STIs are passed from person to person is through vaginal, anal and oral sex. They can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and childbirth, and through breastfeeding. And some STIs, like human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts, can be passed through skin-to-skin contact.
To help avoid getting or spreading an STI, it’s important to use some form of protection like a condom or dental dam every time you have sex. It’s also a good idea to get tested for STIs at least once a year if you’re sexually active, and to request that any sexual partners do the same.
Common STI and STD signs and symptoms
Many people with an STI don’t know it, as they don’t experience symptoms. Even without noticeable symptoms, an STI can have serious and long-term health consequences, including damage and scarring to the reproductive system, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and certain types of cancers. That’s why testing for STIs is so important.
If symptoms are present, they may vary depending on the type of STI, but common signs include genital pain, itching, burning, swelling, bumps and sores, and unusual discharge.
Take care of your sexual health
Take action when you notice symptoms (no matter how mild), or something seems off about your sexual health. Ignoring symptoms can make treatment more complicated and lead to other serious health conditions and complications.
5 common types of STIs
There are more than 30 different types of STIs, but some are a lot more common than others. Let’s take a look at some of the most common STIs in the U.S.
Chlamydia
In 2022, the CDC recorded 1.6 million confirmed cases of chlamydia, making it one of the most common STIs in the U.S. And the number of people with this STI is likely much higher, as chlamydia often doesn’t involve symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may not be noticeable for several weeks following transmission. Common symptoms in women and men include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, and a burning sensation while peeing. The antibiotic doxycycline is the first-line medication prescribed to treat chlamydia.
Trichomoniasis
Only about 30% of people with trichomoniasis experience symptoms, which usually occur one to four weeks after infection. Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms, which can range from genital soreness, itching and burning to abnormal vaginal discharge. Men may experience irritation or itching inside the penis, unusual discharge or a burning sensation in the genitals. Trichomoniasis is most commonly treated with the prescription oral antibiotic metronidazole.
Gonorrhea
Like many STIs, gonorrhea often has no symptoms. This STI is most common in people ages 15 to 24, and when symptoms are present, they usually affect the genitals, throat or rectum. In women, gonorrhea symptoms are often mild and may include bleeding between periods, a burning sensation while peeing and vaginal discharge. Symptoms in men are less common and may include discharge from the penis or a burning sensation while peeing. The CDC reports that drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing, and clinicians are prescribing a broader range of antibiotics in response.
Genital herpes
Both the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) – commonly knowns as oral herpes – and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can cause genital herpes. Genital herpes often causes no symptoms or mild symptoms. Genital herpes cannot be cured, but outbreaks can be managed with prescription antiviral medications, including valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
About 85% of people will get an HPV infection during their lifetime, according to the CDC, but vaccination can protect young people. People who have HPV often don’t notice symptoms, and the immune system is often able to fight off an infection. When an infection persists, symptoms may include genital warts and the development of cervical cancer or certain other types of cancers. While there’s no treatment for HPV, women can screen for and take steps to monitor HPV risks by getting a routine Pap test.
How to treat STIs and STDs
Most people who have an STI don’t experience any symptoms or experience only very mild symptoms that may be similar to a UTI, yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to test. And today, it’s easier than ever to test for common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. In fact, you can even do it from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Virtuwell offers discreet at-home testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Plus, if you or a partner test positive for an STI, Virtuwell offers a quick, convenient and affordable way to get STI treatment online.
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