Question

Why is there a strong stigma associated with contracting an STI or STD?

Answer 1

An STD is a disease acquired through sexual contact with an infected person. It provides a unique set of challenges for nurses, physicians and public health officisls Because of percieved stigma and possible threat to emotional relationships, people with symptoms of STD are often reluctant to seek health care in a timely fashion. Similar to many other infectious disease, STD may progress without symptoms. A delay in diagnosis and treatment is potentially harmful because the risk of complications for the infected person and the risk of transmission to others increase overtime. Infection with one STD suggests the possibility of infection with other diseases as well. After one STD is identified, diagnostic evaluation for others should be performed. The possibility of HIV infection with other diseases as well. After one STD is identified diagnostic evaluation for others should be performed.