Culturally, STDs can sometimes feel like the bogeyman—no one talks about them and they breed fear because no one knows if they have one lurking around. This infographic aims to shed some light on this little nuisance.

But before we get into it, a few things…

Is There a Difference Between STIs and STDs?

No. Over time, the medical community has transitioned to the term “STI.” The change came about because “disease” suggests the presence of a clear medical issue with identifiable symptoms. However, many common STIs don’t show symptoms in the people infected or show very mild symptoms. As a result, the sexually transmitted bacteria can be described as creating “infection,” which may or may not result in “disease.”
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Alright, so let’s switch the language moving forward: We’ll use STI.
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In the US, there are about 20 million new STI cases annually, and about half of the infected people are between 15 and 24 years old. STIs can infect anyone regardless of age or gender, but if you’re in this age group and sexually active, you’re more likely to contract an STI. Here are some important things you need to know.

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As you can probably tell, many STIs share the same symptoms. To get the correct diagnosis, we recommend visiting one of The Source clinics to get you and your partner tested and treated. Appointments typically take 30 minutes and you can get your results and prescription within 3-4 days.

Plus, STI tests at The Source are free! Click the button below to book your appointment now.