- STD (sexually transmitted disease)
- STI (sexually transmitted infection)
- STBBI (sexually transmitted / blood borne infection)
All three terms basically represent the same thing but have been updated to address stigma and accuracy. Infection is a more accurate word than disease because infection implies that symptoms may or may not be present. At Nine Circles we use the umbrella term STBBI, because it acknowledges that some infections can be passed through sexual activity or blood to blood contact (like sharing needles.)
The important thing is to know is, whatever word you use, if you are sexually active or have used shared drug or tattooing equipment, that you get routine testing and consider ways to reduce your risks.
You can talk to your doctor or nurse about these topics or come into Nine Circles for STBBI testing. Nine Circles drop-in STBBI testing at 705 Broadway is every Wednesday 12pm-7pm, or you can book an appointment Mon, Tues, Thurs or Fri by calling 204-940-6000.
