What are STDs?

STD stands for 'Sexually Transmitted Diseases'. The correct term is STI, which means 'Sexually Transmitted Infections'.

STD means sexually transmitted diseases. STI means sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or as we call them, sexually transmitted infections, are bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can spread during sexual activity.

We call them 'infections' because not everyone who gets infected will actually get sick. Someone can have an infection without any symptoms and still pass it on to others, who might then develop symptoms.

The term 'illness' can feel stigmatizing and is often linked to 'bad' or 'negative' ideas.