How long can STD go undetected?

Some STDs have symptoms, but many don't, so they can go unnoticed for a long time. For example, it can take more than 10 years for HIV symptoms to show up, and infections like herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be spread even if there are no symptoms.


Can you have an STD for years and not know it?

It depends on which sexually transmitted infection (STI) you have. Symptoms can develop within a few days or weeks, but sometimes they do not appear until months or even years later. Often there are few or no symptoms and you may not know you have an STI.

How long can a STD stay dormant without symptoms?

The time from exposure to when symptoms appear can range from a few days to as long as six months. In addition, some STIs may not cause symptoms at all. That means you may be infected but be unaware of it. That's why regular STI testing is essential.


Can an STD show up 7 years later?

Several of the more than 20 types of STDs can lie dormant for months, years, or even decades. Dormant STDs and STIs highlight the importance of sexual health testing, as only a test can determine if an asymptomatic infection is present.

How many years later can an STD show up?

This question is often difficult to answer. There are more than 20 types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs or STIs), and many do not cause noticeable symptoms. In other cases, symptoms may not develop until several months or even years after exposure.


How do you know if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?



What are the first signs of an STD in a man?

Symptoms
  • Burning or itching in the penis.
  • A drip (discharge) from the penis.
  • Pain around pelvis.
  • Sores, bumps or blisters on penis, anus, or mouth.
  • Burning and pain with urine or with bowel movements.
  • Having to go to the bathroom often.


Can chlamydia show up after 5 years?

Yes, Chlamydia can be dormant in the body for several years without any flare-up to trigger a symptomatic infection. This means a person could live with Chlamydia for many years without knowing because the typical symptoms don't appear.

Can STD be dormant for 30 years?

There are STDs that can lie dormant and you can continue to be asymptomatic for years. The most important STD to test for in this regard is HIV, which can lie dormant for many years.


Can you have an STD for 8 years?

People can be, and often are, living with an STI for many years without knowing it.

Can you have chlamydia for 10 years without knowing?

Symptoms can occur within 2-14 days after infection. However, a person may have chlamydia for months, or even years, without knowing it.

Can chlamydia go undetected for years?

However, it is possible for symptoms to develop months or even years after infection, especially if you develop complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (in women) or epididymitis (in men). In many people, chlamydia never causes any symptoms.


What happens if STD goes untreated?

Increased risk of organ damage, disease, and cancer

Untreated STDs can grow unchecked for years in your body and cause potentially serious or deadly diseases to develop. For example, someone with HPV can get cervical or anal cancer, while syphilis can cause blindness, dementia, and heart or kidney damage.

What STD stays in the body for life?

Of these, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are incurable viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).

What STD is not visible?

7 STDs That Don't Show Any Symptoms
  • Chlamydia. Thomas BarwickGetty Images. ...
  • Gonorrhea. Tom WernerGetty Images. ...
  • HIV. Hero ImagesGetty Images. ...
  • Genital Herpes. Jose Luis PelaezGetty Images. ...
  • Trichomoniasis. Jose Luis Pelaez IncGetty Images. ...
  • HPV. Caiaimage/Agnieszka WozniakGetty Images. ...
  • Hepatitis B. Hero ImagesGetty Images.


Can chlamydia be dormant for 40 years?

Chlamydia can lie dormant for months or years and it is often detected through screening and routine sexual health testing.

How did I get gonorrhea if I didn't cheat?

However, you can catch it without penetration, for example if your genitals touch those of an infected partner. You can also catch it when you share sex toys without cleaning them properly or covering them with a condom. It is possible for babies to get infected during birth if the mother carries gonorrhea bacteria.

Can I have trichomoniasis for 10 years?

Having trich can make sex feel unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.


What are 5 symptoms of chlamydia?

If they do get symptoms, the most common include:
  • pain when urinating.
  • unusual vaginal discharge.
  • pain in the tummy or pelvis.
  • pain during sex.
  • bleeding after sex.
  • bleeding between periods.


What is late stage chlamydia?

Late-stage chlamydia refers to an infection that has spread to other parts of the body. For example, it may have spread to the cervix (cervicitis), testicular tubes (epididymitis), eyes (conjunctivitis), or throat (pharyngitis), causing inflammation and pain.

Would I know if I had chlamydia after 2 years?

The majority of people who have chlamydia aren't aware of any signs or symptoms, even after several months or years with infection. Nonetheless the impact of untreated chlamydia can be serious for women, causing significant damage to the reproductive organs.


What pills get rid of STDs?

Antibiotics. Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Typically, you'll be treated for gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time because the two infections often appear together.

How do I know if I've been exposed to an STD?

Signs and symptoms may include:
  • Clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge.
  • Discharge from the penis.
  • Strong vaginal odor.
  • Vaginal itching or irritation.
  • Itching or irritation inside the penis.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Painful urination.


What are at least 3 symptoms of STDs?

The symptoms of an STI can include:
  • an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus.
  • pain when peeing.
  • lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
  • a rash.
  • unusual vaginal bleeding.
  • itchy genitals or anus.
  • blisters and sores around your genitals or anus.
  • warts around your genitals or anus.


How long can chlamydia lie dormant?

Although some symptoms can appear within weeks of contact, there have been reports of chlamydia remaining dormant for over twenty years. If you have had recent sexual contact and wonder about chlamydia infections, don't hesitate to test.
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