From the Research
Sexually transmitted diseases are also commonly known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with other terms including venereal diseases (VD) and communicable diseases. This alternative terminology has become increasingly preferred in medical settings because it acknowledges that a person can be infected without showing symptoms of disease 1. The shift toward using "STI" rather than "STD" in healthcare settings reflects an effort to reduce stigma and emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, even in asymptomatic cases.
Key Points
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are primarily spread through sexual contact including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Some STIs can also be transmitted through non-sexual means such as blood transfusions, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
- Common examples of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV) 1.
- The use of "STI" instead of "STD" is preferred in medical settings to reduce stigma and emphasize early detection and treatment, even in asymptomatic cases.
Epidemiology and Prevention
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the US had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in 2018, with rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis increasing in the US from 2015 to 2019 1.
- Populations with higher rates of STIs include people younger than 25 years, sexual and gender minorities, and racial and ethnic minorities.
- Effective STI prevention interventions include screening, contact tracing of sexual partners, and promoting effective barrier contraception 1.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Nucleic acid amplification tests have high sensitivities and specificities for the diagnosis of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other STIs 1.
- Ceftriaxone, doxycycline, penicillin, moxifloxacin, and the nitroimidazoles are effective treatments for various STIs, but antimicrobial resistance limits oral treatment options for some infections 1.