STIs without symptoms?

Did you know that most infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or HPV go completely unnoticed? Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur without symptoms and can silently lead to serious health consequences, from infertility to chronic pain. In this article, you will learn which STIs are particularly likely to be asymptomatic, why regular testing is important, and how you can effectively protect your health.

Table of Contents

• Which STIs often occur without symptoms?
• How can I tell if I have an asymptomatic STI?
• Who should get tested for asymptomatic STIs?
• What are the risks of untreated asymptomatic STIs?
• How can I protect myself from asymptomatic STIs?
• Summary

Which STIs often occur without symptoms?

• Chlamydia: Around 70% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms.

• Gonorrhoea: 65–86% of women and 15–55% of men are asymptomatic.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Most HPV infections are asymptomatic.

• HIV: The duration of the symptom-free period varies individually. It can last for several years, up to 10 years.

• Syphilis: Around 50% of those with syphilis show no symptoms.

• Genital Herpes: 75–90% of those infected are unaware of their infection because they develop no or only mild, barely noticeable symptoms.
  
  Sources: WHO, 2023; NHS, 2021; Cleveland Clinic, 2022; WHO, 2024; Cleveland Clinic, 2023; NHS, 2021

How can I tell if I have an asymptomatic STI?

Since there are no visible or noticeable symptoms, the presence of an asymptomatic STI can only be detected through medical testing. Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Blood tests: Used to detect infections such as HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis.

• Urine tests: Used to identify infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or trichomoniasis.

• Swabs: Swabs from mucous membranes (e.g., urethra, vagina, anus, or throat) can detect chlamydia and gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, or syphilis.
  
  Source: MedlinePlus, 2024; Cleveland Clinic, 2023

In addition to STI testing at your GP’s office or public health clinic, home testing offers a discreet and convenient way to check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Providers such as Homed-IQ offer various tests, including the Complete STI Test, which checks for multiple infections at once. More specific options include the Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test, which detects these common bacterial infections, and the HPV Test, which screens for human papillomavirus. The process is simple and conducted at home: users collect their own samples, send them to a lab, and receive their results online.

Who should get tested for asymptomatic STIs?

Always consult your doctor to assess your individual risk and determine the appropriate tests. Regular screenings are especially important if one or more of the following risk factors apply:

• Individuals who have had unprotected sex

• Men who have sex with men (MSM)

• Individuals with a known STI in their partner

• Sexual contact with multiple partners

• History of STIs: increased risk of reinfection

• Substance use: alcohol or drug use encourages risky behaviour

• Non-monogamous relationships: lack of clear communication about health

• Partner from high-prevalence regions: regions with high STI rates
  
  Source: Mayo Clinic, 2023

What are the risks of untreated asymptomatic STIs?

Untreated asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Infertility: Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of reproductive organs in both men and women, increasing the risk of infertility.

• Chronic pain: This can result from pelvic inflammatory disease in women caused by chlamydia, or epididymitis in men due to untreated gonorrhoea, leading to long-term discomfort.

• Pregnancy complications: Untreated STIs can cause premature birth, miscarriage, or infections in newborns.

• Increased risk of HIV: Damaged mucous membranes from STIs make it easier for HIV to enter the body, increasing the risk of infection.

• Organ damage: Syphilis, for example, can damage various organs such as the heart, nerves, and brain in its advanced stages.

• Increased cancer risk: Certain HPV types can lead to cervical cancer or other forms of cancer.
  
  Sources: WHO, 2024; Deal et al., 2004; CDC, 2023; NHS, 2022

Since many STIs are asymptomatic, it is important to get tested regularly, especially if the above risk factors apply.

How can I protect myself from asymptomatic STIs?

To protect yourself from asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs), various preventive measures are necessary:

Summary

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur without visible symptoms and often go unnoticed. Common asymptomatic infections include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HPV, HIV, syphilis, and genital herpes. Without diagnosis and treatment, these infections can cause serious consequences such as infertility, chronic pain, organ damage, or an increased risk of HIV and cancer. Diagnosing asymptomatic STIs requires medical tests such as blood tests, urine samples, or swabs. Home tests offer a discreet alternative to doctor visits and provide quick results. Learn about how to prevent asymptomatic STIs and make sure you and your partner get tested regularly.