The term “sexually transmitted disease” (STD) has been used frequently to describe infections of the reproductive tract. The term “disease” typically implies that symptoms are present such that the individual would be aware that an infection was present. However, the term “sexually transmitted infection” (STI) is currently favored. Using the STI term implies that infection can be present without the symptoms of disease. Because many infections of the reproductive tract can be asymptomatic, the term STI is often more appropriate than STD.
