STIs 101: Know the Signs

When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there’s a common misconception that you’ll always know when you’re exposed because symptoms will show up right away. That doesn’t tend to be the case all the time, in fact STIs often don’t cause any symptoms at all—or the symptoms can be so mild they’re easy to mistake for something else. Beyond getting tested, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from STIs is by using barrier methods like condoms—it’s simple step you can use. You can order free condoms today!

So, how do you know if you’ve been exposed? Let’s dive in and break it down, why you might not notice.

You might think that getting an STI means you’ll feel sick or have obvious symptoms. But in reality, some STIs can be totally asymptomatic meaning there are no symptoms at all. Here’s how that can happen:

1. Asymptomatic Infections

Some STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can go unnoticed because they don’t show symptoms. This is especially tricky because you might not realize you have one, and could unknowingly pass it on to someone else. In some cases, the symptoms might be so mild or vague that you could mistake them for something less serious.

2. Incubation Periods

STIs have different timelines for when symptoms appear. Some might show up within days or weeks, while others could take months—or never show up at all. This means even if you don’t notice anything right away, it doesn’t mean you haven’t been exposed.

Which STIs can go unnoticed

Let’s go through some common STIs that can sometimes have no symptoms and what to watch out for.

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia often doesn’t show symptoms, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly. If symptoms do appear, they might not show up until several weeks after exposure. Luckily, chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics and can be tested through a simple urine test or throat swab.

2. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, throat, or rectum. If someone has symptoms, they might show up about 2 weeks after exposure, but in some cases, they don’t appear for months. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be tested with a urine or swab test, and it’s treatable with antibiotics.

3. HIV

HIV typically causes a flu-like illness soon after infection but after that, it can go unnoticed for years. If you’re sexually active, especially with someone who might be HIV positive, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare provider about preventative treatment like PrEP and PEP. You can get tested for HIV with a routine blood test.

4. Herpes

Herpes is a tricky one because many people don’t even know they’re infected. In fact, most people with genital herpes don’t show symptoms. There is a blood test for Herpes but it is not common. Herpes can most easily be diagnosed when symptoms are visible, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you experience outbreaks.

5. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV often doesn’t cause any symptoms unless warts appear. This is why it’s super important to get checked if you notice any unusual bumps or warts. For people with vulvas, getting a regular pap smear is a key way to detect HPV early.

6. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is usually spread through bodily fluids like blood or semen. It can range from a mild illness or a more serious condition. You can protect yourself by talking to your doctor about getting the Hepatitis B vaccine and other vaccines that help prevent exposure to other STIs.

What Symptoms should you watch for?

Although many STIS don’t show symptoms, there are signs that might indicate something’s going on. If you notice any of these, it’s important to get tested to rule out an STI or other infection.

• Burning when you pee
• Itching around the genitals
• Abnormal discharge (yellow, green, or consistency change)
• Unusual odor
• Bumps or sores around the genital area

Important note: Some of these symptoms could also be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other non-STI infections, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

Why regular testing is key

If you’re sexually active, regular testing is the best way to protect yourself and others from STIs. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you might still have an infection. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about which tests you should get and how often, based on your sexual activity and potential exposures.

Getting tested is easy and confidential, and it’s the only way to know for sure whether or not you have an STI. Taking control of your sexual health is empowering, and it’s a crucial part of being responsible and looking out for your well-being and that of your partners. Many STIs are treatable, and with regular testing, you can make informed decisions easier.