{"id":2454,"date":"2026-08-12T18:00:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T18:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mariestopes.org.kh\/?p=2454"},"modified":"2026-08-12T18:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T18:00:12","slug":"silent-stis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mariestopes.org.kh\/km\/help-advice\/silent-stis\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Have an STI Without Symptoms? Understanding Silent STIs and Why Regular Testing Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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[Khmer below]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our previous blog \u201cUnderstanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Symptoms, Prevention, Testing and When to See a Healthcare Provider\u201d<\/a>, we learnt about what STIs or sexually transmitted infections are, the concern of rising STIs prevalence amongst Cambodian youths, and most importantly, how to spot these STIs and get treatment early for an uncomplicated recovery. Now, the problem is, how do you spot an STI if the symptoms are silent? In such cases, you must  assess if you need to get tested or not. Do not worry; we can help guide you through this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly are silent STIs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Silent STIs are sexually transmitted infections that often do not show clear signs or symptoms to alert you. Another way to call them is asymptomatic STIs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the population studied by WHO<\/a>, those with chlamydia and gonorrhea infections ranged from 13% to up to 99% amongst different populations and have no symptoms. In the United States,<\/a> 50% of people assigned male at birth and up to 70% of those assigned female at birth have chlamydia without symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other common asymptomatic STIs include, but are not limited to, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV). HIV is also amongst the STIs that remain asymptomatic and silent until it reaches a later stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The burden and dangers of silent STIs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The dangers of asymptomatic STIs are at a high chance of them spreading to another person without them knowing. Those who are unaware of themselves having STIs may be more inclined to have unprotected intercourse with multiple partners, leading to a continuous spread of the infection, who will then infect their other partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, those that have asymptomatic STIs may not be able to get timely treatment, leading to a more complicated course of treatment. For example, in cases of those with unknown HPV or human papillomavirus infection, waiting until obvious signs may lead to a more serious case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those with asymptomatic STIs also face a higher risk of a complicated pregnancy, infertility, a higher risk of cancer, and susceptibility to HIV infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to get tested and how the tests are done<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One way to protect yourself and your partner is knowing who should get tested and in what situations you should get tested or screened for STIs. Here\u2019s when you should consider getting tested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n