WHAT ARE STIs?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), formerly known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, such as anal, oral, and/or vaginal sex.
If you're sexually active, we recommend getting tested for STIs every 3-6 months. This is especially important since many STIs don't usually cause symptoms.
If left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health problems. However, some of the most common STIs are easily treatable with prescription medication. The first step is getting tested!
STDs vrs STIs?
Essentially the difference is between a disease and an infection. Not all diseases begin with infections, but many do. Sexually transmitted disease first begins as sexually transmitted infections.
Infection occurs with the sexually transmitted bacteria or virus first enters the body and begins multiplying. Once the sexually transmitted bacteria or viruses have entered the body, the infection may progress into a disease. Disease occurs when this foreign presence officially disrupts the body’s normal functions and processes.