Is It Possible for Me or
My Partner To Have an STI
and Not Know It?

Can You Have an STI and Not Realize It?

The simplest answer to this question is yes, you can live with an STI and never even realize it. This is because many STIs do not present any obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages of infection. However, just because you or your partner do not develop any obvious signs of an STI does not mean that you are not infected. In fact, many of the more common STIs are asymptomatic either for the duration of the infection or in the early stages.

STIs That Are Asymptomatic

• Chlamydia: One of the most common STIs that can go unnoticed is chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through various means of sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Despite being contagious, chlamydia often does not present symptoms, especially in the early stages of the infection. However, if left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and infertility in both men and women.
• Gonorrhoea: Another STI that can be asymptomatic is gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea is also caused by bacteria that is typically transmitted through sexual contact. Similar to chlamydia, many people who have gonorrhoea do not experience any symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health problems, such as PID, infertility and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
• Herpes: Herpes is another often asymptomatic and, therefore, difficult STI to detect. Unlike the former two conditions, herpes is a viral infection. Though the virus has been known to cause painful sores on the genitals or mouth, not everyone who contracts the virus will develop symptoms. In fact, it is not uncommon for individuals to live with herpes and never develop symptoms, a fact that makes diagnosis and, therefore, spread-prevention, difficult.
• HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is another STI that is often asymptomatic. HPV is a common virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Typically, HPV goes away on its own before it ever presents symptoms. However, if left untreated, HPV can cause cervical cancer in women and other forms of cancer in both men and women.
• Syphilis: Syphilis is caused by bacteria and can be transmitted through sexual contact and is yet another STI that does not cause any symptoms in the early stages of infection. However, if left untreated, the STI can cause to serious health problems, ranging from heart disease to neurological damage to blindness.

Just because some STIs are asymptomatic does not mean they do not cause considerable harm. STIs, over time, may develop into STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases. STDs develop when the infection begins to alter the way certain body parts function. As indicated above, when an STD occurs, significant damage may arise, such as blindness, cancer, PID and other complications.

Not All STIs Are Asymptomatic

It is important to note that not all STIs are asymptomatic. Some STIs, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, can cause serious symptoms that can be life-threatening if left untreated. It is also important to note that even if you or your partner do not have symptoms of an STI, you can still transmit the infection to others.

If you or your partner suspect you might have contracted an STI, the best thing to do is get tested. STI testing is simple and typically entails taking a blood, urine or swab test, depending on the type of infection. Many clinics and health centres offer STI testing for free or at a low-cost.

Aside from undergoing routine testing, it is also best practice to practice safe sex. Doing so can significantly reduce your risk of contracting or transmitting an STI. Top safe sex measures include using condoms and dental dams and limiting your number of sexual partners.