STD or STI: What’s in the name?

At Better2Know, we tend to use the acronyms STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) interchangeably, but we are often asked which one is “correct”?  The short answer is that they both are.  The cover all the different “things” that we test for. STD is now seen as a more old-fashioned term as the term disease conveys an illness that is dangerous and long lasting.  Many of the infections we test for can be treated with antibiotics and can clear up in a week – hardly the same as a disease.

It cannot be ignored that HIV, while sexually transmitted, does not clear up and cannot be treated with antibiotics.  This is because it is a virus for which there is no cure, although it can now be managed with drugs to help people leave a normal length of life.  Other sexually transmitted viruses are: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes and HPV (which includes genital warts).  Some people can clear these from their system after an acute phase, others will have outbreaks for life.

Whatever words you use, we are here to help you get tested.  We have clinics across the UK, and a friendly knowledgeable team on the telephone to answer your questions 24 hours a day 7 days week.