STIs or STBBIs (formerly named STDs)
Many STIs may be transmitted without symptoms, and without the knowledge of their presence.
Unfortunately, what you don't know, can be transmitted when it comes to sexually transmitted infections.
Asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections are in large part responsible for the current increase in the rates of infections as highlighted in our "news" section. In a concerted effort to address this reality, we have taken it upon ourselves to encourage sexually active individuals to "get tested" and "get treated".
In addition we have created specialty screening clinics, designed to speed up access to diagnostic testing for vulnerable populations and at-risk individuals (enquire). Discuss with your physician the frequency of testing appropriate for you.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are now called sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). There is an important reason behind this "name change". Typically we associate the term "disease" with detectable symptoms perceived by the person infected. The term "infection" is more accurate in that it includes infections that may or may not have perceived symptoms - "asymptomatic" infections. As previoulsly said, the asymptomatic infected state occurs quite commonly with many STIs.
