What Is the Difference Between STD and STI?
The terms are often used interchangeably but technically different.
STI
- Pathogen present in body
- May have NO symptoms
STD
- Infection that HAS caused symptoms
Why CDC Prefers STI
- Reduces stigma
- Many infections are asymptomatic
Common STIs
- Chlamydia — curable
- Gonorrhea — treatable
- Syphilis — curable
- HPV — vaccine available
- Herpes — manageable
- HIV — manageable
- Trichomoniasis — curable
Source: CDC, American Sexual Health Association.
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