October 19, 2026 BY imani leave a comment
Can You Have an STI and Not Know It?
Yes. You can have an STI and feel completely fine. Many of the most common infections cause no symptoms at all, sometimes for years, which is exactly why so many people are surprised by their results.
This week is National Health Education Week, and we want to use it to bust one of the most common beliefs we hear at MASS:
“If something were wrong, I’d know.”
It makes sense to think that way. We’re used to our bodies sending signals: a fever, a cough, pain that tells us to slow down. But sexually transmitted infections often don’t play by those rules. Here’s what’s really going on, and what you can do about it.
Why STIs often have no symptoms
Some infections settle in quietly. They don’t cause enough irritation for your body to raise an alarm, or the signs are so mild they’re easy to brush off as something else: a little discomfort, an odd discharge, a rash that fades on its own.
That silence doesn’t mean the infection is harmless. Left untreated, some STIs can damage your reproductive health, make it easier to get or pass on HIV, and cause serious problems years down the line. And because you feel fine, you can pass an infection to a partner without either of you knowing.
The good news: most STIs are easy to test for, and many are curable once they’re found.
Common STIs that can go unnoticed
| Infection | How it can hide | Why it matters if untreated | Curable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Most people who have it notice no symptoms at all | Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems | Yes, with antibiotics |
| Gonorrhea | Often silent, especially in women; symptoms can be mild or mistaken for a bladder infection | Can cause pelvic pain, fertility problems, and spread to the blood or joints | Yes, with antibiotics |
| Syphilis | The first sore is usually painless and can sit where you can’t see it, then heal on its own | Can quietly progress over years and affect the brain, eyes, and heart | Yes, with antibiotics |
| HIV | Early flu-like symptoms are easy to mistake for a cold; after that, it can go years without symptoms | Weakens the immune system over time | Not curable, but treatment lets people live long, healthy lives and stops sexual transmission |
HIV is the clearest example of how quiet an infection can be. CDC estimates that about 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the U.S. don’t know they have it. Most of them feel healthy. A test is the only way they’ll find out.
Today, someone who is diagnosed and starts treatment can live as long as someone without HIV. People who stay on treatment and keep an undetectable viral load don’t pass HIV to their sexual partners. That’s why knowing early matters so much.
Who should get tested, and how often?
If you’re sexually active, testing should be part of your regular health routine, just like a checkup. General CDC guidance includes:
- Everyone ages 13 to 64: an HIV test at least once
- Sexually active women under 25: chlamydia and gonorrhea testing every year
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: STI and HIV testing at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months for some
- Anyone who is pregnant: HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B testing early in pregnancy
- Anyone with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI
>>> TALK TO US ABOUT TESTING NOW.
What getting tested at MASS is actually like
A lot of people put off testing because they picture something awkward, expensive, or time-consuming.
Here’s what it really looks like with us:
- It’s free. No insurance needed, no surprise bill.
- It’s confidential. Your results and your visit stay between you and our team.
- It’s quick. Most visits are a short conversation and a simple test.
- It’s judgment-free. We’ve heard every question. Nothing you ask will surprise us.
- It comes with support. If a result comes back positive, you won’t be handed a piece of paper and sent home. We’ll connect you to treatment, counseling, and services right away.
We also stay open late so you don’t have to choose between work and your health:
| Location | Late hours | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Newport News | 1st Wednesday of every month, 4:30–8:00 PM | 2715 Huntington Ave, Newport News, VA 23607 |
| Norfolk | 2nd Wednesday of every month, 4:30–7:15 PM | 2415 Lafayette Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23509 |
Appointments are required. BOOK YOUR FREE TEST
Living with HIV? Our HIV Support Group meets the second Tuesday of every month, 6:00–7:30 PM, at 247 28th Street, Suite 100, Newport News. It’s a confidential space to connect with people who get it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have an STI for years and not know? Yes. Chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV can all go years without obvious symptoms. Regular testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
Can you have an STI if your partner has no symptoms? Yes. A partner can carry and pass on an infection without ever feeling sick. Neither of you looking or feeling healthy is proof that you’re both negative.
How soon after sex should I get tested? It depends on the infection. Some tests are accurate within a couple of weeks; HIV tests can take longer to pick up a new infection. Tell us when your possible exposure happened and we’ll help you time it right.
Does STI testing hurt? No. Most tests use a urine sample, a quick swab, or a small blood sample.
Is testing at MASS really free? Yes. HIV and STI testing at MASS is free and confidential.