Many people believe that they’d know they’d have asexually transmitted infection (STI)because they’d notice any STI symptoms. But, sadly, that isn’t so. The incredible frequency ofasymptomaticSTIs is one factor that make STIs so common.
The truth is, when STI awareness is based on symptoms alone, most people with a sexually transmitted infection don’t even know that they are sick. It is not uncommon for someone living with an STI to have noSTI symptoms. In other words, they are asymptomatic.
Asymptomatic STIs are more common than not. There is a very high prevalence of symptom-free sexually transmitted infections. People can be, and often are, living with an STI for many years without knowing it. During that time, if they’re not careful, they can transmit the infection to some or all of their sex partners.
1:187 Tips For Preventing STDs
1:18
7 Tips For Preventing STDs
Some scientists call STIs the hidden epidemic.They’re common. They’re invisible. Finally, they can have serious long-term health consequences—includinginfertilityand even (rarely) death. Why is it important to be aware of how common it is for people to have an asymptomatic STI?
1There Is a High Risk of InfectionJamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesSTIsaren’t transmitted every time people have sex. However, they can get around pretty quickly.If one person with an STI hascondomless sexwith a new partner each year, and each of them has condomless sex with one new partner a year, and these partners each did the same, in 10 years, the first person could have transmitted an STI to over 1,000 people.If each person hassex with twonew partners a year, that number goes up to more than 59,000.2You May Have No SymptomsNicholas Eveleigh/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesChlamydiais the most common treatable STI. However, of people with chlamydia, three-quarters of the women and half of the men have no STI symptoms. Half of all women with gonorrhea and 10% of men don’t show symptoms.Many other STIs can also lie dormant for months or years. No wonder that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are around 20 million new sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. each year.It’s very easy to have an STI and not know about it. That’s whysafer sexshould be the rule rather than the exception.3There May Be Long-Term DamageSandy Huffaker/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesAn STI may not be making you feel sick right now. That doesn’t mean that it is not having an effect on your, or your sexual partner’s, health.Left untreated, some STIs can cause long-term damage to your reproductive tract, such aspelvic inflammatory disease. This can make it difficult or impossible to have children.Over time, other STIs, such assyphilisandHIV, can lead to whole body illness, organ damage, or even death.4Screening Is EssentialThomas Barwick / Getty ImagesThe only way to tell if you or your sexual partner has an STI is to be tested.Before starting a new sexual relationship both you and your partner should be tested for themost common STIs.If you aren’t comfortable having yourregular doctorexamine you, testing can also be done at a family planning orSTI clinic.Many clinicseven have free, or highly subsidized, tests for people with limited incomes.But even if your tests come back negative, the best way to keep them that way is to consistently practice safer sex. After all, it can take a while for STI tests to be accurate. In addition, sometimes people have multiple sexual partners, which means there are multiple potential routes for exposure.When You Should Get Screened for an STI5You Can Spread An STI With No SymptomsAdrian Samson/Stone/Getty ImagesJust because you don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you can’t transmit an STI to your partner. Some people who know they are living with an incurable STI think they can’t transmit the infection when they don’t have symptoms. However, this isn’t true.Herpes, for example, is transmissible even when a person isn’t having an outbreak. So areHPV, the virus that causesgenital wartsandcervical cancer, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.Since these infections can’t be cured it is important for people who have them to take precautions with all their sexual partners. With treatment, these infections aren’t usually physically devastating. However, they can take a strong emotional toll.6Incurable Is Not UntreatableJustin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesEven if you have an incurable STI, there are still precautions you can take to improve your health and protect your partners. One such precaution is suppressive therapy.For example, people with herpes should consider taking adrug such as Valtrex.This form of treatment doesn’t only reduce the likelihood of an outbreak, it also lowers the probability of transmitting the virus to your partner. However, since it does not remove the risk of transmission completely, it is important to always use safer sex practices.Know that external and internal condoms are not 100% effective at preventing herpes or HPV. That’s because these viruses are transmittedskin to skin. Treatment as prevention is also a good way to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV.7Your Health Is Your ResponsibilityCatLane/Getty ImagesTake charge of your own sexual health. Safer sex practices and other precautions can help keep you free of sexually transmitted infections.Just remember that you can’t rely on how you feel to tell you if you’re well. Therefore, it’s your responsibilityto get tested and treatedif you could possibly be at risk. Not just your health, but also the health of those you love, is in your hands.The Best At-Home STI Tests
1There Is a High Risk of InfectionJamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesSTIsaren’t transmitted every time people have sex. However, they can get around pretty quickly.If one person with an STI hascondomless sexwith a new partner each year, and each of them has condomless sex with one new partner a year, and these partners each did the same, in 10 years, the first person could have transmitted an STI to over 1,000 people.If each person hassex with twonew partners a year, that number goes up to more than 59,000.
1
There Is a High Risk of InfectionJamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesSTIsaren’t transmitted every time people have sex. However, they can get around pretty quickly.If one person with an STI hascondomless sexwith a new partner each year, and each of them has condomless sex with one new partner a year, and these partners each did the same, in 10 years, the first person could have transmitted an STI to over 1,000 people.If each person hassex with twonew partners a year, that number goes up to more than 59,000.
There Is a High Risk of Infection
Jamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty Images
STIsaren’t transmitted every time people have sex. However, they can get around pretty quickly.
If one person with an STI hascondomless sexwith a new partner each year, and each of them has condomless sex with one new partner a year, and these partners each did the same, in 10 years, the first person could have transmitted an STI to over 1,000 people.
If each person hassex with twonew partners a year, that number goes up to more than 59,000.
2You May Have No SymptomsNicholas Eveleigh/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesChlamydiais the most common treatable STI. However, of people with chlamydia, three-quarters of the women and half of the men have no STI symptoms. Half of all women with gonorrhea and 10% of men don’t show symptoms.Many other STIs can also lie dormant for months or years. No wonder that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are around 20 million new sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. each year.It’s very easy to have an STI and not know about it. That’s whysafer sexshould be the rule rather than the exception.
2
You May Have No SymptomsNicholas Eveleigh/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesChlamydiais the most common treatable STI. However, of people with chlamydia, three-quarters of the women and half of the men have no STI symptoms. Half of all women with gonorrhea and 10% of men don’t show symptoms.Many other STIs can also lie dormant for months or years. No wonder that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are around 20 million new sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. each year.It’s very easy to have an STI and not know about it. That’s whysafer sexshould be the rule rather than the exception.
You May Have No Symptoms
Nicholas Eveleigh/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Chlamydiais the most common treatable STI. However, of people with chlamydia, three-quarters of the women and half of the men have no STI symptoms. Half of all women with gonorrhea and 10% of men don’t show symptoms.
Many other STIs can also lie dormant for months or years. No wonder that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are around 20 million new sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. each year.
It’s very easy to have an STI and not know about it. That’s whysafer sexshould be the rule rather than the exception.
3There May Be Long-Term DamageSandy Huffaker/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesAn STI may not be making you feel sick right now. That doesn’t mean that it is not having an effect on your, or your sexual partner’s, health.Left untreated, some STIs can cause long-term damage to your reproductive tract, such aspelvic inflammatory disease. This can make it difficult or impossible to have children.Over time, other STIs, such assyphilisandHIV, can lead to whole body illness, organ damage, or even death.
3
There May Be Long-Term DamageSandy Huffaker/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesAn STI may not be making you feel sick right now. That doesn’t mean that it is not having an effect on your, or your sexual partner’s, health.Left untreated, some STIs can cause long-term damage to your reproductive tract, such aspelvic inflammatory disease. This can make it difficult or impossible to have children.Over time, other STIs, such assyphilisandHIV, can lead to whole body illness, organ damage, or even death.
There May Be Long-Term Damage
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images News/Getty Images
An STI may not be making you feel sick right now. That doesn’t mean that it is not having an effect on your, or your sexual partner’s, health.Left untreated, some STIs can cause long-term damage to your reproductive tract, such aspelvic inflammatory disease. This can make it difficult or impossible to have children.
Over time, other STIs, such assyphilisandHIV, can lead to whole body illness, organ damage, or even death.
4Screening Is EssentialThomas Barwick / Getty ImagesThe only way to tell if you or your sexual partner has an STI is to be tested.Before starting a new sexual relationship both you and your partner should be tested for themost common STIs.If you aren’t comfortable having yourregular doctorexamine you, testing can also be done at a family planning orSTI clinic.Many clinicseven have free, or highly subsidized, tests for people with limited incomes.But even if your tests come back negative, the best way to keep them that way is to consistently practice safer sex. After all, it can take a while for STI tests to be accurate. In addition, sometimes people have multiple sexual partners, which means there are multiple potential routes for exposure.When You Should Get Screened for an STI
4
Screening Is EssentialThomas Barwick / Getty ImagesThe only way to tell if you or your sexual partner has an STI is to be tested.Before starting a new sexual relationship both you and your partner should be tested for themost common STIs.If you aren’t comfortable having yourregular doctorexamine you, testing can also be done at a family planning orSTI clinic.Many clinicseven have free, or highly subsidized, tests for people with limited incomes.But even if your tests come back negative, the best way to keep them that way is to consistently practice safer sex. After all, it can take a while for STI tests to be accurate. In addition, sometimes people have multiple sexual partners, which means there are multiple potential routes for exposure.When You Should Get Screened for an STI
Screening Is Essential
Thomas Barwick / Getty Images
The only way to tell if you or your sexual partner has an STI is to be tested.Before starting a new sexual relationship both you and your partner should be tested for themost common STIs.
If you aren’t comfortable having yourregular doctorexamine you, testing can also be done at a family planning orSTI clinic.Many clinicseven have free, or highly subsidized, tests for people with limited incomes.
But even if your tests come back negative, the best way to keep them that way is to consistently practice safer sex. After all, it can take a while for STI tests to be accurate. In addition, sometimes people have multiple sexual partners, which means there are multiple potential routes for exposure.
When You Should Get Screened for an STI
5You Can Spread An STI With No SymptomsAdrian Samson/Stone/Getty ImagesJust because you don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you can’t transmit an STI to your partner. Some people who know they are living with an incurable STI think they can’t transmit the infection when they don’t have symptoms. However, this isn’t true.Herpes, for example, is transmissible even when a person isn’t having an outbreak. So areHPV, the virus that causesgenital wartsandcervical cancer, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.Since these infections can’t be cured it is important for people who have them to take precautions with all their sexual partners. With treatment, these infections aren’t usually physically devastating. However, they can take a strong emotional toll.
5
You Can Spread An STI With No SymptomsAdrian Samson/Stone/Getty ImagesJust because you don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you can’t transmit an STI to your partner. Some people who know they are living with an incurable STI think they can’t transmit the infection when they don’t have symptoms. However, this isn’t true.Herpes, for example, is transmissible even when a person isn’t having an outbreak. So areHPV, the virus that causesgenital wartsandcervical cancer, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.Since these infections can’t be cured it is important for people who have them to take precautions with all their sexual partners. With treatment, these infections aren’t usually physically devastating. However, they can take a strong emotional toll.
You Can Spread An STI With No Symptoms
Adrian Samson/Stone/Getty Images
Just because you don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you can’t transmit an STI to your partner. Some people who know they are living with an incurable STI think they can’t transmit the infection when they don’t have symptoms. However, this isn’t true.
Herpes, for example, is transmissible even when a person isn’t having an outbreak. So areHPV, the virus that causesgenital wartsandcervical cancer, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Since these infections can’t be cured it is important for people who have them to take precautions with all their sexual partners. With treatment, these infections aren’t usually physically devastating. However, they can take a strong emotional toll.
6Incurable Is Not UntreatableJustin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesEven if you have an incurable STI, there are still precautions you can take to improve your health and protect your partners. One such precaution is suppressive therapy.For example, people with herpes should consider taking adrug such as Valtrex.This form of treatment doesn’t only reduce the likelihood of an outbreak, it also lowers the probability of transmitting the virus to your partner. However, since it does not remove the risk of transmission completely, it is important to always use safer sex practices.Know that external and internal condoms are not 100% effective at preventing herpes or HPV. That’s because these viruses are transmittedskin to skin. Treatment as prevention is also a good way to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV.
6
Incurable Is Not UntreatableJustin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesEven if you have an incurable STI, there are still precautions you can take to improve your health and protect your partners. One such precaution is suppressive therapy.For example, people with herpes should consider taking adrug such as Valtrex.This form of treatment doesn’t only reduce the likelihood of an outbreak, it also lowers the probability of transmitting the virus to your partner. However, since it does not remove the risk of transmission completely, it is important to always use safer sex practices.Know that external and internal condoms are not 100% effective at preventing herpes or HPV. That’s because these viruses are transmittedskin to skin. Treatment as prevention is also a good way to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV.
Incurable Is Not Untreatable
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Even if you have an incurable STI, there are still precautions you can take to improve your health and protect your partners. One such precaution is suppressive therapy.
For example, people with herpes should consider taking adrug such as Valtrex.This form of treatment doesn’t only reduce the likelihood of an outbreak, it also lowers the probability of transmitting the virus to your partner. However, since it does not remove the risk of transmission completely, it is important to always use safer sex practices.
Know that external and internal condoms are not 100% effective at preventing herpes or HPV. That’s because these viruses are transmittedskin to skin. Treatment as prevention is also a good way to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV.
7Your Health Is Your ResponsibilityCatLane/Getty ImagesTake charge of your own sexual health. Safer sex practices and other precautions can help keep you free of sexually transmitted infections.Just remember that you can’t rely on how you feel to tell you if you’re well. Therefore, it’s your responsibilityto get tested and treatedif you could possibly be at risk. Not just your health, but also the health of those you love, is in your hands.The Best At-Home STI Tests
7
Your Health Is Your ResponsibilityCatLane/Getty ImagesTake charge of your own sexual health. Safer sex practices and other precautions can help keep you free of sexually transmitted infections.Just remember that you can’t rely on how you feel to tell you if you’re well. Therefore, it’s your responsibilityto get tested and treatedif you could possibly be at risk. Not just your health, but also the health of those you love, is in your hands.The Best At-Home STI Tests
Your Health Is Your Responsibility
CatLane/Getty Images
Take charge of your own sexual health. Safer sex practices and other precautions can help keep you free of sexually transmitted infections.
Just remember that you can’t rely on how you feel to tell you if you’re well. Therefore, it’s your responsibilityto get tested and treatedif you could possibly be at risk. Not just your health, but also the health of those you love, is in your hands.
The Best At-Home STI Tests
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. It is possible to contract a sexually transmitted infection and not have any symptoms. People can live with an STI for many years without knowing they are infected. In fact, STIs are asymptomatic more often than not. What’s more, asymptomatic STI can still be transmitted to another person.Several STIs may have no noticeable symptoms. Commonly asymptomatic STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis.The only way to know for certain that you do not have a sexually transmitted infection is to get tested. Testing can be done through your primary healthcare provider, gynecologist, or family planning clinic.People who are sexually active with more than one partner should be tested for STIs regularly. Couples who are monogamous should be tested at the start of a new relationship before having unprotected intercourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is possible to contract a sexually transmitted infection and not have any symptoms. People can live with an STI for many years without knowing they are infected. In fact, STIs are asymptomatic more often than not. What’s more, asymptomatic STI can still be transmitted to another person.
Several STIs may have no noticeable symptoms. Commonly asymptomatic STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis.
The only way to know for certain that you do not have a sexually transmitted infection is to get tested. Testing can be done through your primary healthcare provider, gynecologist, or family planning clinic.People who are sexually active with more than one partner should be tested for STIs regularly. Couples who are monogamous should be tested at the start of a new relationship before having unprotected intercourse.
The only way to know for certain that you do not have a sexually transmitted infection is to get tested. Testing can be done through your primary healthcare provider, gynecologist, or family planning clinic.
People who are sexually active with more than one partner should be tested for STIs regularly. Couples who are monogamous should be tested at the start of a new relationship before having unprotected intercourse.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.HealthyPeople.gov.Sexually transmitted diseases.Malhotra M, Sood S, Mukherjee A, Muralidhar S, Bala M.Genital chlamydia trachomatis: an update.Indian J Med Res.2013;138(3):303-316Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Sexually transmitted diseases.Planned Parenthood.Get tested.Sauerbrei A.Herpes genitalis: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fact sheet for public health personnel.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.HealthyPeople.gov.Sexually transmitted diseases.Malhotra M, Sood S, Mukherjee A, Muralidhar S, Bala M.Genital chlamydia trachomatis: an update.Indian J Med Res.2013;138(3):303-316Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Sexually transmitted diseases.Planned Parenthood.Get tested.Sauerbrei A.Herpes genitalis: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fact sheet for public health personnel.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
HealthyPeople.gov.Sexually transmitted diseases.Malhotra M, Sood S, Mukherjee A, Muralidhar S, Bala M.Genital chlamydia trachomatis: an update.Indian J Med Res.2013;138(3):303-316Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Sexually transmitted diseases.Planned Parenthood.Get tested.Sauerbrei A.Herpes genitalis: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fact sheet for public health personnel.
HealthyPeople.gov.Sexually transmitted diseases.
Malhotra M, Sood S, Mukherjee A, Muralidhar S, Bala M.Genital chlamydia trachomatis: an update.Indian J Med Res.2013;138(3):303-316
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Sexually transmitted diseases.
Planned Parenthood.Get tested.
Sauerbrei A.Herpes genitalis: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fact sheet for public health personnel.
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