The short answer to the question posed in the title is Yes!<\/p>\n
You can get a sexually transmitted disease<\/a> from someone who has no symptoms. Many infections are super sneaky, which is why they can spread effortlessly. In fact, we\u2019re currently seeing an increase in the rate of infections<\/a> across the globe. The belief that asymptomatic people can\u2019t spread a virus or a bacterium is often to blame for irresponsible behaviours.<\/p>\n If you are sexually active or intend to get intimate with someone, here are the most important things you need to understand about the pathogens causing common STDs<\/a>.<\/p>\n The only certain way to know if you have an STD is to get tested<\/a>. Unless you do, chances are that you may have a condition that\u2019s dormant and not causing any symptoms.<\/p>\n Chlamydia<\/a> and gonorrhoea<\/a> are two very common kinds of STDs that will be asymptomatic in many people.\u00a0 Statistics suggest that at least 70 per cent of the women and 50 per cent of the men who have chlamydia are asymptomatic at the time of testing positive. Almost half of all people who get tested for gonorrhoea are asymptomatic.<\/p>\n Syphilis<\/a> is another serious sexually spread disease that can remain hidden for prolonged periods. The statistics for syphilis are similar to those for gonorrhoea and chlamydia \u2013 nearly 50 per cent of all people who test positive for syphilis exhibit no symptoms.<\/p>\n The situation is very similar when it comes to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)<\/a>. Once it enters the body, the virus begins replicating by targeting cells<\/a> in the immune system. The \u201cdamage\u201d needs to become more extensive for a person to start getting symptoms (and even then, they are going to be rather non-specific).<\/p>\n Studies on HIV aren\u2019t as precise as those for other STDs because numerous people with an infection don\u2019t know their status yet. Current research suggests that about 10 to 60 per cent of individuals with an early HIV infection are going to be completely asymptomatic, but there are some symptoms to look out for<\/a>. This is one of the main reasons why early infections are often missed and the condition gets identified much later when a person is already feeling poorly most of the time.<\/p>\n There are various other STDs that a person can have without knowing. Human papillomavirus (HPV)<\/a>, herpes<\/a> and even Hepatitis B<\/a> can be concealed and asymptomatic for some time.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s one very important thing you need to understand.<\/p>\n Even if both you and your partner get tested for STDs<\/a> and the results come back negative, there is still some risk of acquiring an infection through unprotected intercourse. That\u2019s because some viruses and bacteria<\/a> will show up on a test some time after the infection develops.<\/p>\n This time is known as latency period. For HIV, the latency period is 18 to 90 days, depending on the type of test you\u2019re getting. For gonorrhoea, the latency period is five days to two weeks. You get the picture. If you don\u2019t get tested at the exact time, you may have an infection that you\u2019ve just acquired and that isn\u2019t showing up on a test.<\/p>\n Additional complications may arise from certain conditions.<\/p>\n Gonorrhoea and chlamydia tests are usually administered for the genital versions of the disease. The two conditions can be both oral<\/a> or anal. If you don\u2019t get tested in every single way, an active STD may be missed.<\/p>\n Screening panels also don\u2019t test for every single common condition. Combined tests usually screen for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and other common STDs. While these conditions affect most people on a global scale, they are not the only ones spread via sexual contact.<\/p>\n As you can see, STDs are very tricky and somewhat challenging. That\u2019s why the world is currently worried about rapidly increasing infection rates.<\/p>\n There are things you can do to make sure both of you will be healthy in the long run.<\/p>\n The first thing to do is get tested for common STDs<\/a>. The recommendation is to get tested once per year or each time you acquire a new sexual partner. People who engage in high risk behaviours (like unprotected sex with multiple partners) should get tested more often.<\/p>\n Next, always rely on barrier contraception (unless you\u2019re considering pregnancy). Condoms<\/a> provide reliable protection again most STDs, as long as they are used correctly. They\u2019re also affordable, user-friendly and readily available across Singapore.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid about talking to your partner. Share your worries and come up with a solution together. Being open and honest, setting clear boundaries and getting in charge of your health can all build a lot of intimacy. This is an opportunity to deepen your connection while also looking out for each other.<\/p>\nA Person Can Have STDs without Knowing It<\/h2>\n
You Can Have an STD Even if You\u2019ve Tested Negative<\/h2>\n
Contraception and Testing: Your Safest Bet<\/h2>\n