eli5: Why did we go from calling sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
In: 2351
I work in the sexual health field and from a linguistic standpoint, we say STI as disease has a lot of stigma attached. It implies something that won’t go away and you’re riddled with it forever, whereas infection implies that it will pass. A lot of people are very embarrassed and scared to get an STI test so the change in name helps with the stigma attached. and make it feel normal like it’s part of your regular checkups like going to the dentist and physician
Latest Answers