STIs & STDs

Overview

About STIs & STDs

As a gynecologist, Dr. McIlhaney witnessed the heartbreak caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) almost every day during his career. Medical Institute for Sexual Health was founded out of his determination to offer more than just treatment for women who needed support. Today, he desires to reach more people—especially young people—with the truth about STIs, their lasting consequences, and the life that’s possible when they’re avoided.

Through this website, we hope to educate, encourage, and guide people through the noise around decisions regarding sexual behavior. According to the CDC, one in five people in the U.S. currently has an STI, and more than half of all new STIs occur in young people under the age of 25 years old.  We are talking about a high-risk sexual environment today that teens and young adults are trying to navigate. We are not trying to make people feel guilty about past decisions, because life is not over from one wrong choice. However, we do want to warn others about the consequences of certain choices and help those who’ve been affected begin making life-fulfilling decisions.

You may be thinking, “if so many people have STIs, then what is the big deal? If I get tested and treated, won’t everything be okay?” Certainly, there are people who have had an active sex life and have avoided STIs/STDs.  However, some consequences, such as cancer caused by the HPV virus, may not show up for twenty years or more. The information gathered here is not intended to cause people to fear relationships. Rather, it is a guide to help everyone make informed choices and live a life with minimal “baggage” from sexual behaviors.

STI or STD?

The terms “sexually transmitted infection” and “sexually transmitted disease” are often used interchangeably, however there is a difference in the implication and impact of the terms. This has led many organizations to prefer the term “STI”.

First, “infection” implies one has acquired a bacteria, virus, parasite or fungus, but may not have any symptoms. “Disease,” on the other hand, implies damage to tissues and organs, and noticeable symptoms. In reality, an infection may or may not have symptoms and may or may not cause lasting damage. But a primary goal is to prevent infection or at least treat it quickly before it becomes a disease.

Furthermore, the term “disease” has a more negative association than the term “infection”. The term “disease” can promote shame and and stigma from health care providers, community members, and self. In reality, STIs are either treatable or manageable, just like other diseases. Adding a layer of guilt and shame only worsens personal and societal impacts and may keep people from seeking testing.

In summary — the terms STI and STD can be used interchangeably  — but using STI may lead to earlier detection and treatment, reduced transmission, and more compassion for self and others.

Last updated on May 7, 2026