What the heck is an STI?

TREND ALERT: You guys, STDs are so over. Spring 2011 is all about nautical tops, slouchy handbags and STIs. Sounds great –– but what exactly is this shizzle? Oh, you know — just a crazy infection that wants to take over your tighty whiteys.

So what’s the difference between an STI and an STD? Here are five things you need to know about the nastiest part of doing the nasty. Get your edumacation on!




1. STD = sexually transmitted disease. STI = sexually transmitted infection.

2. Unlike STDs, STIs have mild or no signs or symptoms. So yeah, you could be walking around with one. Right. Now.

3. Chlamydia (The Silent Disease), Gonorrhea (The Clap), Herpes (The Herp) and HPV are all STIs. Spread the word!

4. Saying STI is more politically correct than STD. Apparently, “infection” doesn’t carry around the same stigma as “disease.”

5. Some are curable! Phew, good news for the Secret Life gang. Those kids are spreading STIs like the plague. (Luckily, Ricky is STD-free!)

Tune into an all-new Secret Life tonight at 8/7c to learn more Sex Ed!