Can You Have an STD Without Knowing? The Risks of Silent Infections
South Ken MD Team
Consider the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection or disease without even knowing it. It is pretty scary, isn't it? STDs or STIs have grown in prevalence over the past few years.
While it is common to have STIs or STDs without your knowledge, these infections can silently increase your risk of transmission to others, particularly young adults between 20 and 34 years of age.
"Not having symptoms does not give you a clear conscience about your sexual health or eliminate the need for a test. Regular testing is important, even if you feel well."
How Long Does It Take for STD Symptoms to Be Noticeable?
The majority of the population believes an individual cannot have an STI or an STD without any symptoms. Well, that is not the case! STD symptoms could take few days or longer before appearing. In fact, they may even never appear at all!
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes are a few of the most common STDs that are first presented without symptoms.
What is the Incubation Period?
Following exposure to the pathogen (virus, bacteria, etc.), the elapsed time before the appearance of symptoms is regarded as the incubation period. During this timeframe, the pathogen is developing in your body even when you may or may not feel differently than prior to the exposure.
Chlamydia
Incubation period: 7–21 days
Genital Herpes
Incubation period: 2–14 days
HIV
Flu-like symptoms may appear 2–6 weeks after infection, but the virus can remain unnoticed for years
HPV
Incubation period: weeks to months for warts, but infection may remain latent for years
Certain infections can have a dormant or latent state in which, even without symptoms from a virus or bacteria, the infection is present in the body. Take HIV, for example. It could go unnoticed for years while in an inactive stage before showing any signs of AIDS. Other infections will also "sleep" and be free of symptoms, but can later become symptomatic again. This is typically classified as a dormant STD.
Common Symptoms of STD in Males and Females
While not all STDs present symptoms, even the smallest sign can point to something wrong. Here is a quick list of signs to look out for:
- Pain during sex
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- A painful or burning sensation when you pee
- Pain or swelling in the testicles in males
- Unusual bleeding from vagina in females
- Pain in your lower abdomen
- Fever (may or may not be present)
- Painful or swollen lymph nodes (especially in the groin area)
Important
If you or your partner experiences any of these symptoms, a visit to the local healthcare provider for testing is warranted.
What You Should Do If You Have STD Without Symptoms?
First things first! You should get tested. All sexually active males and females should be tested at least once each year for STIs. If you think you may have an STI, you should refrain from having sex until you are tested or receive instruction from your healthcare provider.
Keep in mind that the sooner you can get tested and treated, the less is the chance of transmission of the STI and lower is the possibility of future complications. Once you receive a testing outcome, and diagnosis is confirmed, this is a good time to have a conversation about options for treatment with your provider.
Don't wait for symptoms. Book a confidential STI test at our South Kensington clinic today.
Book STI TestFive STDs You May Not Have Symptoms
Take a look at these five STDs that may not produce symptoms to consider the importance of getting tested regularly even if you do not have any symptoms.
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most frequently diagnosed STI known, also known as a 'silent infection' that infects males and females and tends to be asymptomatic. However, after days or weeks, some people may develop mild symptoms such as unusual discharge, pelvic pain or discomfort when urinating — but most remain symptom-free.
2. Gonorrhoea
This is a bacterial infection that typically happens to people between 15 and 24 years old. Symptoms can show up around two weeks after being exposed to the bacteria; however, some people may not get any symptoms even though the bacteria will be in your body.
3. HPV
Human Papilloma virus is very common and it mainly occurs in young people between 15 and 25 years old. The virus may go unnoticed because symptoms take a while to show up, or you might not get symptoms at any time.
4. HIV
HIV starts with flu-like symptoms; you may notice symptoms including fatigue, chills, fever, a sore throat, rash, etc. But you might not notice symptoms for a long time in later stages.
5. Syphilis
Usually, syphilis symptoms will depend on which stage of the infection you are experiencing. Most people in the early stages only notice one or two sores on the genitals. Some might not even notice one or just ignore it thinking it is a pimple or some other skin lesion. If not treated, you would begin to notice rash or flu-like symptoms. In the later stages, the sores may not develop at all, and without treatment, it may lead to complications later on.
Can You Seek Urgent Care for STD Testing?
Of course, you might view urgent care as an option for things like sprains or the flu, but they are there for STD testing, diagnosis and treatment as well. This is a safe and convenient option for more than just an urgent medical need, so why not come to our clinic?
We can supply you with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced healthcare providers who are trained to diagnose STDs, listen to your symptoms, and offer lab testing (if necessary), then offer the appropriate treatment plan to ensure you fully recover.
Early Diagnosis
The sooner you can diagnose and treat STIs or STDs, the better your sexual health will be.
Prevent Complications
It will reduce your chances of infertility, as well as limit the possibility of bigger issues like pelvic complications later in life.
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