Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs), sometimes referred to as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted from one person to another person or people through vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex. 

STIs are very common and most are easily treated. Having an STI does not reflect poorly on you as a person, your hygiene practices, or your sexual behaviors. 

There are three types of STIs: 

1. viruses 

2. bacteria 

3. parasites 

Many STIs do not present symptoms which is why regular and consistent STI testing and always being proactive in engaging in protected sex are important. 

While common, STIs are easy to protect yourself and your partner(s) from by: 

• only having protected sex and engaging in safer sex practices 

• getting tested regularly and knowing your status

Follow the link to learn more about STI testing and safer sex practices

STD and STI can be used interchangeably and refer to the same group of infections. The word infection is more accurate and holds less stigma than the word disease. Many STIs never become diseases, but all STDs start as infections*. 

*Think all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares