What’s the difference between STI and STD?
We are often use Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) interchangeably but they are not the same thing. Read below to learn the difference.
What’s the difference between an STI and an STD?
You’ve got a sexually transmitted infection (STI) when you’ve been infected by bacteria, viruses, or parasites through having unprotected or unsafe sex. If the infection goes on to cause symptoms, such as unusual discharge from your penis or vagina, you’ve got a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Generally speaking, the only difference between an STI and an STD is whether you’ve got symptoms. Either way, you still have an infection that you can pass on to someone else.
Different types of STDs and STIs – bacterial, viral and parasitic
- Bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis.
- Viral STDs are caused by a virus: genital warts (human papillomavirus, HPV), genital herpes (herpes simplex HSV-1, HSV-2), water warts (molluscum contagiosum), Hepatitis B, HIV (which causes AIDS).
- Parasitic STDs are caused by parasites: Trichomoniasis (Trich), pubic lice, scabies.
- Other infections that make it easier to catch STDs: bacterial vaginosis, candida (yeast infection).
The tricky thing about some STIs is that you can have them without noticing any symptoms, so you don’t even realise you have an infection. But if you do have symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out by your doctor/health care provider.
In women, the most common symptoms are:
- Pain when you urinate
- Pain when you have sex
- Bleeding in between your periods or when you’ve had sex
- Yellow, green, or bloody vaginal discharge
- Strong vaginal odour
- Itchy labia, vulva, or pubic hair
- Anal discharge
- Bumps, sores, warts, or blisters on the genitals or anus area
- Abdominal pain
In men, the most common symptoms are:
- Pain when you urinate
- Pain when you have sex
- Discharge from your penis or from your anus
- Bumps, sores, warts, or blisters in the genital or anus area
- Pain in one or both testicles
If you have symptoms or think you may have an STD do not ignore it! Make an appointment with the doctor.
Most STDs are easy to cure, especially if you get treated early. If left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility (Chlamydia) or can be fatal (HIV).