STIs, STDs, what are their differences?
In the medical community, there’s a general understanding that STI and STD are just two acronyms for the same thing. However, the word ‘disease’ refers to a medical issue with clear symptoms, which can be misleading since not all STDs have noticeable signs or symptoms and can often go undetected.
Medical professionals now prefer the newer term ‘STI’, (although STD is still used at times), to avoid the misconception that someone without any symptoms automatically means they’re healthy and free of anything sexually transmitted.
The fact that STIs often exhibit no symptoms doesn’t mean that they can’t pass on to other sexual partners; in fact, it makes transmission increasingly easier.
This means that getting regular testing is necessary for people to be practising safe sex. Fortunately, Malta offers a range of testing and diagnostic services for STIs, including confidential testing.
Getting Tested
It’s easy for any Maltese resident or foreigner to get tested by appointment at the GU Clinic, which is in Mater Dei Hospital. The best part about getting tested here is that it’s all done confidentially. An individual GU code number will be given once someone registers and that code is used as patient identification.
In the case of HIV Rapid Testing, the GU Clinic doesn’t require any appointment to be made. The only thing they clarify is that the test can only be taken 6 weeks after the person suspects contracting HIV. The process is quick and results are out within 20 minutes!
HIV self-testing is also possible by buying a testing kit at a pharmacy or ordering here. Going for this option means the patient performs the test by themselves (or with someone trusted) at home and still receives the results within the 20-minute window.
So, how often should you get tested?
A good rule for practicing safe sex is to test yourself after every new sexual partner, and ideally, ensure your sexual partners do the same. Of course, no one enjoys getting tested, but failing to get tested on time can lead to bigger issues and complications such as infertility, increased transmission of STIs, and chronic pains.
Prevention
Being able to prevent STDs/STIs from transmitting is important and this means consistent use of condoms and regular testing. Using male or female condoms significantly lowers the risks of transmitting diseases, however, they aren’t 100% effective.
In the case of some infections like HPV, vaccinations are available.
What should I do if I get a positive test result?
Depending on the STI, treatment is generally quick and easy, so when detected early on, a positive test result can be straightforward to handle. Although in some cases, only treatment and management are possible, without a total cure.
Treatment for STIs like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia typically involves one or two doses of antibiotics. It’s generally recommended to wait a week after treatment before being sexually involved with a partner.
A dreaded part of a positive test result is needing to tell your sex partners. This may be dreaded, however, it’s necessary for the health of both your sexual partners and any other sexual partners they may have.
Stigma and how to break it
People often delay testing due to fear of stigma or negative reactions from partners, but this can result in the transmission of STIs to more people and potentially escalate into more serious problems.
Stigma and misconceptions surrounding STDs/STIs are still very much around.
It’s important to challenge these misconceptions and to create spaces where everyone feels safe to get tested and discuss these situations, as any of us can contract STDs/STIs.
Having open and safe spaces for others means that there will be the same space for you too, should you ever need it.
By staying informed, advocating for comprehensive sexual health education, and accessing available resources and support, sexual health can be given the focus it needs. Prioritise prevention, and promote a culture of regular testing that practices safe sex, and most importantly, open communication.