sexually transmitted infection
Last updatedWhat to know
A sexually transmitted infection refers to bacteria, a virus, or a parasite known to be transmitted through sexual activity. Sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is more accurate than the term sexually transmitted disease (STD), as not all cases of infection develop into disease. The latter term can also be stigmatizing.
STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization, 1 million STIs are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic. Of the eight most common STIs, four are curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other four, which are viral infections, are currently incurable: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV). However, available medical treatments can prevent infection and provide major quality of life and life expectancy improvements.
Some STIs can cause severe health issues, while others can be largely harmless. Condoms, routine STI tests, and honest communication around STIs can both destigmatize STIs and prevent the spread of them. Calling someone who does not currently have an STI “clean” insinuates that someone living with an STI is “dirty,” which is inaccurate and stigmatizing. If necessary and relevant to coverage to report on someone’s STI status, it’s important to secure the individual’s permission and to verify an official diagnosis. Using medical terminology is the clearest and most accurate language around STIs.
Disclosing an STI diagnosis can have major repercussions for a person’s life. As with disclosing any health condition, it should be done only when relevant and necessary to coverage, and it’s important to confirm with someone whether they are comfortable having their status written about publicly. It should not always be necessary to describe a person as having an STI, unless directly relevant to the story. Careful media coverage can help demystify and destigmatize STIs, and may encourage people to seek testing and treatment.
Additional resources
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (Department of Health and Human Services)
Summary
A sexually transmitted infection refers to bacteria, a virus, or a parasite known to be transmitted through sexual activity. Sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is more accurate than the term sexually transmitted disease (STD), which can also be stigmatizing. As with disclosing any health condition, it should be done only when relevant and necessary to coverage, and it’s important to confirm with someone whether they are comfortable having their status written about publicly. Careful media coverage can help demystify and destigmatize STIs, and may encourage people to seek testing and treatment.