STD: meaning, definitions and examples

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STD

[ ɛs-tiː-diː ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical term

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, which refers to infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. These diseases can affect both men and women and may cause a range of health issues if left untreated.

Synonyms

STI, sexually transmitted infection, venereal disease.

Examples of usage

It’s important to get tested for STDs regularly.
Some STDs can show no symptoms.
Education about STDs can help prevent their spread.

Etymology

The term "STD" evolved from earlier phrases that described diseases thought to be spread primarily through sexual contact. The concept has been traced back to the late 19th century when syphilis and gonorrhea were among the most infamous sexually transmitted infections. As public health awareness grew in the 20th century, the terminology shifted. The 1980s saw a rise in the usage of the term ‘Sexually Transmitted Infection’ (STI), emphasizing the notion of infection rather than disease, as many STIs can be asymptomatic. The change represents a broader understanding of how these infections affect health and the importance of early detection and treatment. Thus, "STD" became a more widely used term, encompassing a variety of infections beyond traditional venereal diseases, reflecting evolving medical knowledge and terminological precision in public health discourse.