Why do we say STI and not STD?
Let us explain!
Historically, the term “VD” (venereal disease) was used to describe gonorrhea and syphilis which were the only two diseases we knew to be transmitted through sexual contact.
By the 1980s, HIV/AIDS along with other conditions and infections – such as human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes (HSV), chlamydia, and hepatitis C – required a new way of thinking and talking about infections.
As a result, the term STD (sexually transmitted disease) became popular. However, it proved to be misleading because a person can be infected yet not show any signs of disease. Therefore, the term STI (sexually transmitted infection) became the preferred term.
For many years, there was little or no conversation on how to prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection. While there is still a great need for education, websites like Fact not Fiction assist in providing more discussion.
Does that make sense? We hope so!
