USE CODE LOVE25 FOR 25% OFF YOUR ORDER

STI Terminology Glossary

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health issue, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. They are primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal and oral sex, but some can also be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth. Despite advancements in medicine and public safe sex awareness campaigns, STIs remain prevalent in the UK and around the world. Understanding STIs, their symptoms, prevention, and treatment is crucial for maintaining good sexual health and preventing complications.

This glossary provides clear definitions of key terms related to STIs, helping to break down complex medical jargon and improve public knowledge. Many people are unaware that STIs do not always cause symptoms, meaning infections can go undetected for long periods.

Which, in turn, can lead to serious health consequences, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased vulnerability to other infections.

For example, chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STIs in the UK, yet it often presents no symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in infertility.

Similarly, human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to genital warts or, in some cases, certain types of cancer, highlighting the importance of regular cervical screening (formerly known as a smear test).

Prevention is a core theme in sexual health education, and this glossary outlines various barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams, which provide effective protection against most STIs. It also addresses the importance of regular testing, particularly for individuals who are sexually active with new or multiple partners. Testing for STIs is widely available across the UK, with many clinics offering free and confidential services.

Another crucial topic covered in the glossary is the distinction between bacterial, viral, and parasitic STIs. Bacterial infections, such as gonorrhoea and syphilis, can usually be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections like herpes and HIV require lifelong management rather than a cure. Meanwhile, parasitic infections such as trichomoniasis and pubic lice (crabs) require specific treatments to eliminate the parasites.

In addition to medical terms, this glossary includes information on symptoms such as urethritis, genital ulcers, and unusual discharge, which can indicate the presence of an STI. By recognising these symptoms early and seeking medical advice, individuals can prevent the spread of infections and protect their long-term health.

Ultimately, this STI glossary serves as an educational tool to empower individuals with knowledge about sexual health. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a student, or someone looking to better understand STIs, this resource provides clear, accessible explanations to help navigate the often complex world of sexual health.

 

STI Glossary

 

A

  • AIDS – See HIV/AIDS.
  • Asymptomatic – Having an infection without showing symptoms, making it easier to spread unknowingly.

B

  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – A bacterial imbalance in the vagina, not an STI but often linked to sexual activity.
  • Barrier Methods – Contraceptives like condoms and dental dams that help prevent STIs.
  • Bloodborne Virus (BBV) – A virus spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as HIV and Hepatitis B.

C

  • Chancroid – A bacterial STI causing painful genital ulcers, rare in the UK.
  • Chlamydia – A common bacterial STI that can cause infertility if untreated.
  • Cold Sores – Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), often spread through oral contact.
  • Condom – A barrier method used to prevent STIs and pregnancy.

D

  • Discharge – Fluid from the penis, vagina, or anus, which may indicate an STI.
  • Dental Dam – A latex or polyurethane sheet used as a barrier during oral sex.

G

  • Genital Herpes – An STI caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2), leading to painful sores.
  • Genital Warts – Caused by certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), leading to wart growths.
  • Gonorrhoea – A bacterial STI that can cause infertility and serious complications if untreated.

H

  • Hepatitis B (HBV) – A virus that affects the liver and can be spread through sex or blood contact.
  • Hepatitis C (HCV) – A liver infection spread mainly through blood, less commonly through sex.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – The virus responsible for cold sores (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2).
  • HIV/AIDS – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the immune system. If untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

M

  • Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen) – A bacterial STI that can cause urethritis and pelvic infections.

P

  • Pap Smear (Cervical Screening) – A test for HPV and abnormal cervical cells.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – A complication of untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea that can cause infertility.
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – Emergency medication to reduce the risk of HIV infection after exposure.
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – Preventative medication for people at high risk of HIV.
  • Pubic Lice (Crabs) – Small parasites that infest pubic hair, causing itching.

S

  • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) – Infections passed through sexual contact.
  • Syphilis – A bacterial STI with serious complications if untreated, causing sores, rashes, and neurological issues.

T

  • Thrush (Candidiasis) – A yeast infection affecting the genitals, sometimes linked to sexual activity but not an STI.
  • Trichomoniasis – A parasitic STI causing genital discomfort and discharge.

U

  • Urethritis – Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

V

  • Viral Load – The amount of HIV in a person’s blood; lower levels reduce transmission risk.
  • Vulvovaginitis – Inflammation of the vulva and vagina, sometimes caused by STIs.