Sex and Gender — What’s the Difference?
The words sex and gender are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things.
STID? The Case for a New Term
ASHA was founded in 1914 as the American Social Hygiene Association. By 1959 that name seemed dated so ASHA became the American Social Health Association, a moniker we kept until we rang in 2013 by becoming the American Sexual Health Association.
Times change and our language and terminology need the occasional dusting off (perhaps reboot is more appropriate in 2016?). Another case in point from our sexual health field: the term VD (for venereal disease) eventually was replaced by STD which, in turn, is often playing second fiddle to STI (read our explanation of all this here). Do we perhaps need a more precise term?
In her paper “STD (sexually transmitted disease) or STI (sexually transmitted infection): Should we choose?” medical linguist Janet Byron Anderson, PhD, argues that we do and proposes “sexually transmissible infectious disease (STID)” as a more accurate way to refer these infections or diseases or…well, you read her paper and let us know what you think.
Do we need a new term for a new era and is STID the way to go? Send your comments to us via email and we’ll publish selected musings on the subject.
More to Explore
The Impact of STIs on Fertility
Infertility can stem from factors affecting both men and women. Sometimes, these are related to sexually transmitted infections.
New Research on BV and a Possible Link to Chlamydia
A new study found that there are two distinct types of BV infection, one of which increases the risk of chlamydia infection.
ASHA Denounces Executive Order on Sex as Inaccurate and Harmful
President Trump’s executive order declaring that the federal government would recognize only two sexes is inaccurate and dangerous. It represents an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and a threat to the dignity and safety of transgender individuals and their families.
What You Need to Know About the HPV Self-Collection Test
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer. With self-collection, you can take a sample of cells from your vagina. You still have to go to your provider’s office, but there’s no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.
Two Studies Show Doxy PEP is a Winning Strategy
Two studies published in this month’s JAMA Internal Medicine offer encouraging findings about the use of Doxy PEP.