One of the biggest misconceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is that you’ll always know if you have one. In reality, many STIs can be present in the body without causing any symptoms at all — especially early on. This means you can have an STI and feel completely fine, even as the infection is slowly progressing or being passed to others.
That’s why asymptomatic STIs are often called “silent infections.” You can’t see them, you don’t feel them, and unless you get tested, you might never know they’re there. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Left untreated, even symptomless infections can cause long-term damage to your health.
How Common Are Asymptomatic STIs?
More common than most people realize. According to the CDC, a large percentage of people who test positive for common STIs report no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Here are a few examples:
- Chlamydia: Up to 70% of women and 50% of men show no symptoms
- Gonorrhea: Often asymptomatic, particularly in women
- HPV: Most strains don’t cause symptoms, but some lead to cancer if undetected
- HIV: May be symptomless for years after initial infection
- Herpes: Can be contagious even when no sores are visible
- Trichomoniasis: 70–80% of infected individuals experience no symptoms
This is why waiting for symptoms to appear is not a reliable strategy. In many cases, by the time symptoms show up — if they ever do — complications may already be underway.
Why It’s Risky to Wait for Symptoms
When you don’t have symptoms, it’s easy to assume you’re in the clear. But untreated infections can lead to serious consequences, even if you feel perfectly healthy. Some of the long-term risks include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage
- Chronic pelvic or testicular pain
- Organ damage in advanced syphilis or untreated HIV
- Increased risk of acquiring or spreading HIV
- Development of certain cancers linked to HPV
Many of these outcomes are preventable with early testing and treatment. That’s why routine screening is recommended, especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners.
When to Get Tested — Even Without Symptoms
You don’t need a specific reason to get tested. But certain situations make screening even more important, such as:
- Starting a new relationship
- Having unprotected sex, even once
- Experiencing a condom break or slip
- Having multiple partners or a partner with multiple partners
- Being notified by a previous partner who tested positive
- Wanting peace of mind
In many cases, testing is fast, affordable, and discreet — especially with at-home options that offer privacy and quick results. You don’t need to wait for something to feel “off” to take action.
How Often Should You Test?
If you’re sexually active, getting tested at least once a year is a good baseline. If you have multiple partners or engage in higher-risk activities, more frequent testing — every 3 to 6 months — may be recommended. Even in monogamous relationships, testing at the beginning of the partnership provides a clear starting point for mutual trust.
Some clinics offer bundled test panels that check for several infections at once, giving you a full picture of your current status. These can be especially helpful when you’re unsure what to screen for or want a comprehensive result.
Final Thoughts
Just because you feel fine doesn’t mean you’re STI-free. Asymptomatic infections are surprisingly common, and they don’t go away on their own. The good news is that most STIs are either curable or manageable — especially when caught early through regular testing.
If you’ve never been tested or it’s been a while since your last screening, now is a great time to take control. Visit our Compare Tests page to find the best at-home or lab-based options for your needs.