Ever wish STIs came with an unsubscribe button? Same. In this episode, we’re getting comfy with the uncomfy and talking all things STIs/STDs—what they are, how they spread (spoiler: it’s not just one kind of sex), why symptoms are not a trustworthy narrator, and how to protect yourself.
No shame, no scare tactics—just facts, laughs, and the kind of info that makes your future self say: “Omg thank you.” 💅🏽✨
Key Takeaways 📝
- STI vs STD: An infection can exist without symptoms (STI), while an STD is when it progresses into a disease state.
- You can’t “tell” by looking: Most STIs can be totally symptom-free—testing is the only real tea.
- Transmission is broader than you think: Oral, anal, vaginal, skin-to-skin contact, and even shared toys can all be routes.
- Prevention isn’t just condoms: Vaccines (HPV, Hep B), regular testing, honest convos, and PrEP/PEP for HIV all matter.
- Stigma helps nobody: Having an STI isn’t a moral failing—it’s a medical situation. Period.
Resources & Sources 🔗📚
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Sexually Transmitted Infections Fact Sheet (2025)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024)
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report (2024)
- CDC — STI Treatment Guidelines
- Hufstetler K, et al. — Clinical Updates in Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024)
- Wu Z, et al. — Global, Regional, and National Burden of HIV and Other STIs (2025)
- Deng M, et al. — Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study Results (2025)
- Wang W, Sawleshwarkar S, Piraveenan M. — Computational Approaches of Modelling HPV Transmission…: A Systematic Review (2024)
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm
- American Sexual Health Association — An Overview of Common STIs, Testing, and Treatment (2026)
- National Health Service (NHS) — Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024)
- Cribier B. — Sexually Transmitted Diseases: An Unprecedented Overview (2025)
(Friendly reminder: this episode is educational and not a substitute for medical advice—talk to a healthcare professional for personal guidance.)
