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General
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What's an STD?
Originally Published: December 06, 1996
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: February 24, 2006
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Dear Alice,
Sorry to ask and sound stupid, but, what are STDs?
Thanks, Dear STD, No need to apologize. Your question indicates your interest in learning, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be an informed individual. Alice is certain other people out there don't know what STDs are either. STD is an abbreviation for Sexually Transmitted Disease, and is a term that has replaced VD, or Venereal Disease. Today, the more commonly used term is STI, which stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is passed on through sexual activity from a person who already has an STI. The explanation for the shift in terms from STD to STI is simple yet significant. The term “infection” means that a germ is present in one’s body, but the person may not have any signs or symptoms of the infection. The term “disease” means that the infection is causing obvious signs or symptoms in the person. Thus, a sexually transmitted germ – bacteria, virus, parasite, or fungi – causes an infection, which may or may not result in a disease. This distinction is important because many sexually transmitted infections do not result in signs or symptoms, so a person can have an STI and not know it. Therefore, the term STI is a more encompassing term than STD, as it includes infections that cause no symptoms. While some organizations or websites continue to use the term STD, or use the terms STD and STI interchangeably, Alice will be solely using the term STI for this reason.Every sexually active person is at risk for contracting an STI, if a partner is infected. To help reduce your risk, you may want to follow safer sex guidelines (see below). If you think you may have an STI, remember that it is not a stigmatizing experience – don't let yourself feel so ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty that you do not see a health care provider for a checkup and, if needed, appropriate treatment. Safer Sex Guidelines Safer sex means having sex, orgasms, or intercourse without sharing semen, vaginal fluids, or blood. Safer sex includes ways of minimizing the risk of spreading HIV and other STIs. Some of these techniques include:
For more information on sexually transmitted infections, search Alice's Sexual Health archives. You can also check out the following hotlines and websites for more information about STIs, support groups, and/or referrals to free and/or low-cost clinics located near you: National STD Hotline Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (CDC-INFO) Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) AIDS Hotline Herpes Resource Center National Herpes Hotline CDC National Prevention Information Network American Social Health Association "Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself,"
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