Some sexually transmitted conditions can be cured, and for those that cannot be cured, there are effective treatments to manage the symptoms. However, a distinction has recently been made between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with the aim of “reducing the stigma” associated with the diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals have suggested that health conditions such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis be referred to as STIs. Meanwhile, when discussing diseases such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), they should be referred to as STDs.
Why this “division”?
Although STIs and STDs are essentially the same thing, Dr. Iván Meléndez, an HIV specialist and founder of Centro Ararat, explained that the distinction is made because—unlike diseases—“infections are things that happen at a specific point in time; they are temporary, can be treated, and have a cure. “A sexually transmitted infection that is considered a sexually transmitted disease—because it is a chronic condition and requires ongoing treatment—is HIV.”
The doctor also noted that “we automatically associate the word ‘infection’ with minor ailments we’ve all experienced, such as an ear or throat infection. Using the term ‘sexually transmitted infection’ (STI) literally tells us that ‘an action occurred that resulted in infection by something that is transmitted through and related to sex.’ Meanwhile, the term ‘disease’ is always viewed as something chronic.”
So, which ones are considered STIs and which ones are STDs?
Below is a table summarizing Dr. Meléndez’s clinical experience:
Medical Conditions
STIs
STD
Chlamydia
X
Gonorrhea
X
Bacterial vaginosis
X
Syphilis
X
Trichomoniasis
X
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
X
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
X
X
Genital herpes
X
X
For their part, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are primarily considered liver diseases rather than STIs, since sexual intercourse is not the only means of transmission, the doctor explained.
“Both conditions are referred to as ‘infections’ in the acute phase (hepatitis B infection; hepatitis C infection), and if they become chronic, they are referred to as ‘diseases’ (hepatitis B disease; hepatitis C disease),” he added.
In the meantime, Centro Ararat testing for STIs and STDs at its sexual health clinics and provides treatment if necessary. To make an appointment, please call (787) 296-8888, ext. 214.
