Which STDs Can Be Asymptomatic?

Many people ask: Are there any STDs that don’t have symptoms? The answer is easy: All of them!

That’s probably not the answer you wanted to hear, but it’s the truth. The unfortunate, miserable truth. But in this case, knowledge is power. Knowing that most STDs can be present without noticeable symptoms reminds us all about the importance of routine STD testing. Bottom line: Just because you feel fine doesn’t mean you are STD-free.

So contrary to popular belief, gonorrhea doesn’t always cause a “drip” and genital herpes can be active without the legendary, blistering sores. Chlamydia, one of the most common STDs, can cause infertility in women without as much as a twinge of pain.

And then there’s HIV. This STD can be easily managed when diagnosed and treated early, but due to its silent nature, too many cases are discovered late. In 2009, one-third of new HIV infections resulted in an AIDS diagnosis within 12 months after initial HIV diagnosis.

Protecting against STDs and long-term damage isn’t that hard though; with routine STD testing, these pesky infections can be caught early and properly treated. Also, when sleeping with a new partner, be sure to use condoms until you both get an STD test.

And if you are part of the minority who experiences STD symptoms or suspect something is wrong, get an STD test right away.