References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
“Venereal disease” is an older term for what are now called sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The term comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of love. While occasionally still used informally, modern sexual health services use “STI” because it’s more accurate and less stigmatising.
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Terminology
| Term | Meaning | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Venereal disease (VD) | Disease spread through sex | Outdated but still recognised |
| STD | Sexually transmitted disease | Still used but being replaced |
| STI | Sexually transmitted infection | Current preferred term |
Why the Term Changed
- “Venereal disease” carried stigma and judgment
- “STI” acknowledges that many infections have no symptoms
- “Infection” is more accurate than “disease” for asymptomatic conditions
- Modern terminology is more clinical and less moralistic
What Were Considered Venereal Diseases?
Historically, the main venereal diseases were syphilis, gonorrhoea and chancroid. Today the list of STIs is much longer, including HIV, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, hepatitis and more.
The UK’s VD Regulations
The NHS (Venereal Diseases) Regulations 1974 still protect the confidentiality of sexual health records. Despite the outdated terminology, these regulations provide important legal privacy protection that applies to modern NHS sexual health clinics.
Read more: STD vs STI | Confidential testing | STI myths
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VD the same as STI?
Essentially yes — different terms for the same group of infections.
Is venereal disease still used?
Occasionally in informal settings, but “STI” is the standard term.
Are there more STIs now than before?
More are recognised and diagnosed, but many have existed for centuries.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
