Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are easily transmitted through sexual contact. While some STDs have visible symptoms, others can go undetected for long periods.
Ignoring signs of STDs can have severe consequences, it is essential to have awareness about these STDs that can go unnoticed. Let us discuss ten STDs that can go undetected.
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common bacterial STD that can go undetected, particularly if symptoms aren’t present. It can cause inflammation, discharge, and pain while urinating, which is noticeable. However, most females with chlamydia show no symptoms.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, another bacterial STD, can also go unnoticed in many cases. Common symptoms could be painful urination, discharge, and testicular pain. Women might experience mild discharge, though it gets unnoticed often.
3. Herpes
Herpes simplex virus causes herpes, which includes blister on and near the genital area. In some cases, herpes doesn’t show any symptoms, or it might go unrecognized due to minimal symptoms.
In such cases, it can be easily spread through sexual contact with an infected person.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is one of the dangerous STDs that can go unnoticed in its initial stages. Many people infected remain symptomless for years, and the disease can reach an advanced stage in such people, causing severe damage to the body.
Symptoms may include a rash in the initial stages and more severe damage to organs like the heart and brain later. Pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection to their babies.
5. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. The symptoms include discharge, painful intercourse, and irritation. Still, the condition may remain unnoticed unless there is a physical examination or testing.
Men with trichomoniasis can remain symptomless, but can transmit the infection to their sexual partners.
6. Hepatitis B
It is an infection that affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus. Sexually active people have higher chances of contracting this virus. Many infected people show no symptoms or might notice them after a long time.
Late-stage symptoms might include liver damage, liver cancer, or other related diseases.
7. Hepatitis C
It is another liver infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can go undetected for several years before any visible symptoms arise. Late-stage symptoms could include liver failure and liver cancer.
The only way to know if someone has hepatitis C is through a blood test.
8. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection; it is highly contagious and can cause various types of cancer. There could be no noticeable symptoms in many cases, and it can go unnoticed even for years.
Regular screenings and Pap tests help detect HPV and stop it from spreading.
9. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is a severe check it sexually transmitted infection that can lead to AIDS if left untreated. In some cases, symptoms may develop after several years of infection.
It is essential to get tested regularly for HIV, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent progression to AIDS.
10. Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG)
Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) is a bacterial STD that can cause chronic urinary tract infections and infertility. It can be challenging to diagnose, and many infected people remain symptomless. Women are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
It is vital to note that many of these STDs have no visible symptoms and can be left undetected for many years.
It is advisable to have safe sex practices, get regular screenings and tests, and seek medical intervention when any unknown symptoms or unusual changes occur in the body.