References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
No — most STIs can be completely silent, causing no symptoms at all. This is why regular testing is the only reliable way to know your STI status. Waiting for symptoms means infections go undetected, complications develop and transmission continues.
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Silent Infection Rates
| STI | Often Asymptomatic? |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Up to 70-80% |
| Gonorrhoea (women) | Up to 50% |
| HIV | Often silent for years |
| HPV | Most infections silent |
| Syphilis (latent) | No symptoms by definition |
| Herpes | Many mild or unrecognised |
| Hepatitis B and C | Often silent for years |
| Trichomoniasis | Up to 50% |
Why This Matters
- You can’t tell by feeling well
- Partners can be infected without knowing
- Complications develop silently
- Testing is the only way to be sure
What to Do
- Test regularly if sexually active
- Test with each new partner
- Don’t assume “no symptoms” means “no infection”
- Include HIV, syphilis and hepatitis in your screen
Read more: Silent STIs explained | How often to test | Why testing matters
Frequently Asked Questions
If I feel fine, do I need to test?
Yes — feeling fine doesn’t rule out infection.
Which STIs are always symptomatic?
Very few. Almost all can be silent at some stage.
How often should I test?
At least annually; more often with multiple partners.
Related reading
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- How Different STIs Affect Vaginal Discharge
- How to Identify Syphilis Sores (Chancres)
- Is My Rash From HIV or Something Else?
- Is Testicular Pain a Sign of an STI?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
