We actually didn’t plan this, but this week just so happens to also be National #STDweek !

I think this is a good time to chat about a question that I get asked all the time: what is the difference between an STD and an STI?

Key words here are “disease” and “infection”. The issue with STD is that the word “disease” implies an obvious medical problem. Unfortunately, that goes hand-in-hand with the graphic pics of diseased genitals that your health teacher probably showed you in 9th grade.

But remember: most STIs don’t actually show any symptoms, and therefore, don’t produce the “disease” that we typically think of.

So, technically, “STI” is the more comprehensive term. But in my unprofessional opinion, it doesn’t make a difference if we’re telling folks to call it a STI if we aren’t also making is crystal clear that no symptoms ≠ no infection.

Long story short: most people (myself included) end up using both terms, so call it what you want and just get tested regularly :)