eli5: Why did we go from calling sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
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There are two major classes and two minors infections and diseases. Infections are your bacterial they are acute and with the proper meds they can go away if acted upon. For example gonorrhea, chlamydia , syphilis, etc. These would be your STIs sexually transmitted infection, some folks can be carriers or asymptomatic to them. Which is why you should be tested every 3-6 months.
Sexually transmitted diseases are virus based and don’t go away. There symptoms are managed or medication is taken to keep the virus dormant. Example are HIV, HPV, Hep C, herpes, etc. These you will get an infection and depending on the virus it can be very active or dormant in your system and everyone reacts differently.
Now here is where it can be complicated in that some STIs If not treated correctly or right away can become STDs but they are considered complications of an STI. Like ladies if gonorrhea goes untreated it can cause infertility issues for you.
Then you have the 4th class and that is medication resistant STIs. Certain strains of STI can be resistant to medication currently on the market and there is nothing current to get rid of it. I believe there has been some luck with you microphages but don’t quote me on that. But you are essential stuck and living with this STI that can then morph in complications etc.
So everyone get tested every 3-6 months, or between partners if they have been long term, because you never know what you may have.
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