How Long Can You Have an STI Without Knowing?

The Silent Nature of Many STIs

Here's a fact that surprises many people: the majority of sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms at all, at least initially. This means you could be carrying an infection – and potentially passing it to partners – without having any idea.

This isn't a sign that your body is fighting off the infection. It simply means the infection is "asymptomatic" – present but not causing noticeable symptoms. Understanding this is crucial for protecting both your health and the health of your partners.

How Long Each STI Can Remain Hidden

Let's look at the most common STIs and how long they can go undetected:

[Chlamydia](/conditions/chlamydia): Months to Years

Chlamydia is often called "the silent infection" because approximately 70% of women and 50% of men experience no symptoms at all.

Can remain asymptomatic for months or even years
May only be discovered during routine chlamydia screening or when complications develop
In women, can silently cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) leading to fertility problems
In men, can cause epididymitis if left untreated

[Gonorrhoea](/conditions/gonorrhoea): Weeks to Months

While gonorrhoea more commonly causes symptoms than chlamydia, many cases still go unnoticed:

Up to 50% of women and 10% of men have no symptoms
Throat and rectal infections are particularly likely to be asymptomatic
Can remain hidden for weeks to months
Like chlamydia, can cause serious complications if untreated

[HIV](/conditions/hiv-aids): Years to a Decade

HIV is perhaps the most significant example of a long-term asymptomatic infection:

After initial infection (which may cause flu-like symptoms), HIV can remain asymptomatic for 8-10 years or even longer
During this time, the virus is slowly damaging the immune system
The person remains infectious throughout
Only HIV testing can reveal HIV status during this window

[Herpes](/conditions/herpes) (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Lifetime

Herpes is incredibly common and often completely asymptomatic:

Up to 80% of people with genital herpes don't know they have it
Many people never experience recognisable outbreaks
The virus remains in the body for life
Can be transmitted even without visible sores (asymptomatic shedding)

[HPV](/conditions/hpv): Years

Human papillomavirus is the most common STI globally:

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear naturally within 2 years
High-risk strains can persist silently for years before causing cell changes
May only be detected through cervical screening (smear tests)
Genital warts (caused by low-risk HPV) may appear weeks to months after infection – or never

[Syphilis](/conditions/syphilis): Weeks to Years

Syphilis progresses through stages, with symptoms that come and go:

Primary stage: A painless sore (chancre) that may go unnoticed, especially if internal
Secondary stage: Rash and flu-like symptoms that resolve on their own
Latent stage: No symptoms for years, potentially decades
Without treatment, can progress to serious organ damage

[Trichomoniasis](/conditions/trichomoniasis): Weeks to Months

Trichomoniasis is a common parasitic infection that often flies under the radar:

Up to 70% of infected people have no symptoms
When symptoms do occur, they may be mild and attributed to other causes
More commonly symptomatic in women than men

Why Asymptomatic STIs Matter

You might think that if an infection isn't causing symptoms, it's not a problem. Unfortunately, that's not the case:

Health Complications

Even without symptoms, STIs can cause:

**Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)** – leading to chronic pain and infertility
Ectopic pregnancy – a life-threatening condition
Increased HIV risk – having an STI makes you more susceptible to HIV
Cancer – HPV can cause cervical, throat, and anal cancers
Organ damage – untreated syphilis affects the heart, brain, and other organs

Ongoing Transmission

Without knowing you're infected, you may unknowingly pass infections to:

Sexual partners
Babies during pregnancy or childbirth
Others through blood-to-blood contact (in the case of HIV and hepatitis)

Who Is Most at Risk of Asymptomatic Infections?

While anyone can have an STI without symptoms, certain factors increase the likelihood:

Women – anatomically more likely to have internal, unnoticed symptoms
Young people – cervical cells in younger women are more susceptible to infection
Those with throat or rectal infections – often completely asymptomatic
People taking PrEP or other medications – may mask symptoms
Anyone who has had unprotected sex – regardless of perceived risk

The Only Way to Know: Get Tested

Since symptoms are unreliable indicators of STI status, regular testing is essential. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) and NHS guidelines recommend:

Testing Frequency

After every new sexual partner – or at least annually if you're sexually active
Every 3 months – if you have multiple partners or are at higher risk
Before stopping condom use – with a new long-term partner
During pregnancy – routine antenatal screening includes HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B

What to Test For

A comprehensive STI screen typically includes:

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea (urine sample or swab)
HIV (blood test)
Syphilis (blood test)
Hepatitis B (blood test)
Additional tests based on risk factors and symptoms

Taking Control of Your Sexual Health

The fact that STIs can be asymptomatic isn't meant to frighten you – it's meant to empower you. Knowing that symptoms aren't reliable means you can take proactive steps:

**Get tested regularly** – don't wait for symptoms
Communicate with partners – discuss testing and sexual health openly
**Use protection consistently** – condoms significantly reduce transmission risk
Know your status – regular testing gives you peace of mind

Book Your Confidential Test Today

Don't assume that feeling healthy means you're STI-free. Our discreet, comprehensive testing services provide accurate results and full clinical support. Take control of your sexual health – book your test now.

How Long Can You Have an STI Without Knowing? Understanding Asymptomatic Infections