Are STDs the same as STIs? How STDs start, symptoms and prevention

The difference between STDs and STIs lies in the words “diseases” and “infections.” 

STI is the proper term to use for most sexually transmitted conditions. An STI is only considered an STD if it causes symptoms.

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Examples of STIs caused by viruses include herpes, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while examples of STIs caused by bacteria include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Examples of STDs are genital herpes and pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Difference between disease and infection

An infection can be considered the first thing that happens before an infectious disease occurs. It is the first step to the development of a disease. 

An infection is when harmful microorganisms or parasites invade the body. Infections can begin anywhere and can be transmitted via various ways, including body contact, fluid contact, and sexual means. 

On the other hand, disease occurs when an infection has spread to different parts and organs of the body, causing damage. Diseases usually have clear signs and symptoms, but some common STIs, like gonorrhea, often don't. This is because gonorrhea is often asymptomatic. All STDs begin as STIs. But not all STIs progress to an STD.

Despite the difference between the terms STD and STI, most health providers and educators prefer to use the former because it is the most popularly used term that people know about.

How STDs start

All STDs first start as sexually transmitted infections before they develop into diseases. 

Microorganisms from outside the body can get into the body in many ways, such as through blood, vaginal secretions, saliva, and sperm. The organisms then start to multiply. 

With time, the infections develop into diseases by causing damage to cells and organs. At this point, signs and symptoms also start to appear. 

There are cases where an STI will never develop into a disease. An example of this is the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. 

HPVs frequently disappear on their own without causing other health problems. In this case, they are considered an STI.

However, in rare cases where they don’t clear up, they can lead to certain kinds of cancer or cause genital warts. In such a case, they can then be considered a disease.

Signs and symptoms of STDs to watch out for

Depending on the type of microorganism that caused the disease and the type of sexual activity a person engages in, sexually transmitted diseases can affect different parts of the body. 

Symptoms of an STD may not appear immediately; it can take days, weeks, or even years for signs and symptoms to appear. 

Some common signs and symptoms of STDs to look out for include:

• Rashes in the genitals or anal regions
• Bumps or sores around the anus, mouth, thighs, and pelvic region
• Pain in the vaginal during penetrative sex
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain
• Penile discharge
• Smelly or discolored vaginal discharge
• Rectal bleeding
• Tingling sensation around the genitals

How to prevent STDs and STIs

Sexually transmitted diseases/infections can be prevented. However, the only sure way to prevent them is by abstaining from any form of sexual activity, including kissing and oral sex. 

If you are sexually active, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of getting an STI Or STD, such as:

• Sticking with one sexual partner 
• Using condoms during sex
• Avoiding or limiting the use of alcohol and recreational drugs
• Avoiding needle sharing as some STIs like hepatitis B and HIV can spread via blood
• Getting vaccinations for STIs like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV
• Avoiding sex with a new partner until they have tested for STIs

Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all sexually active adults should go for a test every year, you should consider getting a test if:

• You had sex without consent
• Shared an injection equipment
• Had sex with multiple partners
• You are worried you may be exposed to an STI.

Note that STDs like hepatitis A and genital herpes have an incubation period. Therefore, getting tested too soon may not detect an infection. You may need to get tested twice to rule out infections.

Depending on your situation and the peculiarity of your case, your doctor is in the best position to advise you on the next step to take.