STDs or sexually transmitted diseases are the infections that are transmitted through sexual activities from the infected partner to other. STDs represent symptoms such as burning during urination, feeling of discomfort while urination, abnormal genital discharges, sores or rashes. If you are sexually active and do not have these symptoms, that does not mean you do not have STD. Many STDs are asymptomatic that means it may not show any symptom or any evidence of infection.
Which STDs Have No Symptoms?
Following diseases are STDs that do not show symptoms initially-
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection caused by bacteria that are passed on during sexual activities. It represents no symptom in 90 percent of cases. That is why it is also called silent infection. The symptoms may appear after five to seven days of infection. Females may experience symptoms like bleeding and discharges from vagina and pain during sexual activities, while males may feel swelling in testicles and painful urination.
If chlamydia is left untreated, chlamydia infection may cause serious affections of female reproductive organs, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. On the other hand, men do not feel health issues due to untreated chlamydia; however, they can also face fertility issues. The infected pregnant mother can transmit the infection to newborn infant during birth causing eye infection and pneumonia in the infant.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrheal infections are also transmitted by bacteria similar to chlamydia via sex. People who catch gonorrhea may not feel any symptom. Symptoms may appear in one to 14 days after exposure to the infection. Symptoms are similar to the chlamydia. Sometimes both the infections can happen at the same time in the same person.
Gonorrhea can be treated effectively with antibiotics. If it is left untreated, it may lead to infertility, arthritis and skin sores in both men and women. Women may also develop pregnancy complications like preterm labor and stillbirth. Baby born to infected mother can catch the gonorrheal infection in the blood, joint and eyes.
HPV
HPV or human papillomavirus remain unnoticed even if you contract the infection. Symptoms do not appear until it results in bigger health issue. One of the symptoms of HPV can be genital warts. It often causes cervical cancer. It cannot be determined by any test, only abnormal PAP test can show cervical cancer. Both Infected men and women can develop cancer in anus and warts in genitals.
Untreated HPV possess the potential to cause serious harm to health. If genital warts are not treated properly, they will remain as it is and get stick around. Men and women both can contract cancer which may result in death.
Trichomoniasis
A common STD caused by a parasite trichomonas is known as trichomoniasis or trich. The infected person doesn’t represent any sign or symptom in about 70% of cases. The Symptom of trichomoniasis can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation in the genital area. It can be easily managed with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis is left untreated; it may increase the risk of catching other STDs. For example, if you have genital inflammation caused by trich, you may catch HIV easily.
Herpes
Herpes does not show symptoms many times. Sores in mouth and genitals are the certain symptom of herpes. Many patients ignore them and do not get treated.
Untreated herpes becomes complicated to treat at the time. The risk of exchange of infection also increases as the virus can be transmitted through skin contact even if sores are not formed.
Conclusion
STDs can develop in sexually active age groups with likability to get transmitted easily through unprotected sexual indulgences. They may not show symptoms in some cases. Absolute avoidance of unprotected sex practices is the only way to remain safe from STDs. Regular screening is recommended for sexually active people to diagnose and treat STDs before it is too late.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). STDs & Pregnancy – CDC Fact Sheet https://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy-detailed.htm
- World Health Organization (WHO). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
Also Read:
