Can I Still Have an STI if I Feel Fine?

Sexually Transmitted Infections are more prevalent than you think. While many people don’t believe they have an STI, having no symptoms is extremely common. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost one million new STIs are contracted daily. Unfortunately, many scientists believe that asymptomatic STIs, without symptoms, are a silent epidemic. But there are steps we can all take to educate ourselves and prevent the transmission of asymptomatic STIs.

Common STI Symptoms

Even if you are not exhibiting symptoms of an STI, it is still important to know what to look out for. It may be that you have not considered something to be wrong if you have had a symptom slowly start some weeks, months or even years ago. Some crucial symptoms of common STIs include:

• painful urination
• itchiness around your genitals
• painful intercourse
• unusual vaginal discharge in women
• discharge from the penis in men
• unusual spots, rash, blisters or another skin blemish in your genital area
• genital pain
• abdominal pain
• fever
• weakness

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should visit a health clinic and get tested as soon as possible. Once you know whether or not you have an STI, you can start to treat the infection.

Can I Have an STI if I feel Fine?

Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, it is still possible to carry an STI because many sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic or do not develop symptoms until later. In addition, many STIs, such as chlamydia, exhibit no to very mild symptoms when first contracted, so it is vital to get tested after having sexual intercourse, even if you feel fine.

If left untreated, STIs can progress and become more severe, such as HIV. Gonorrhea is one of the most prevalently transmitted, and in some cases, it leads to infertility in women.

If you have one STI, it can be easier for you to become infected with another. Chlamydia and gonorrhea have high risks of coinfection and are incredibly harmful if left untreated.

If I Feel Fine, Why Should I Get Tested?

You may feel alright, but if you are sexually active, there is always a chance you may have an asymptomatic STI. If you engage in intercourse, it is essential to have regular sexually transmitted infection screenings. A big reason why STIs are so common is that people do not get tested unless they feel unwell.

You Might Pass an STI To Your Partner

Unfortunately, when you don’t get tested, you may unknowingly pass the STI on to a partner. They can also accidentally pass an STI to you. This is because nearly three quarters of women and half of men with chlamydia do not have any symptoms. While most STIs are not physically painful and go away relatively quickly, they can be emotionally draining. Practice safe and responsible sex to limit the number of STIs in your community. Even though STIs are not spread every time you have sex, they move faster than you’d think. The more STIs spread, the more resistant they become to our current medications, so checking yourself early and as much as possible is essential.

Get Tested Today 

When you have a new sexual partner, the only positive way to know if you are not carrying an STI is to get a screening. Be responsible for your own health and should get regularly screened to keep yourself and others safe. Call us now with the number above to schedule an appointment or find a clinic near you.  

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