Many associate STDs with visible symptoms like genital warts or discharge. However, many STDs are asymptomatic during the early stages, meaning that they do not show any noticeable symptoms. As such, a person can be infected and not even know it. During this period, the STDs can still be spread from person to person through sexual contact. Depending on the disease, some only produce symptoms once an outbreak occurs, or once it progresses to a later stage. To minimise the chance of this occurring, getting tested is crucial. Here are some of the STDs that can be asymptomatic.

HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD. It can infect the genital areas and other moist tissues, including the anus and mouth. Most sexually active individuals get infected with one of the over 200 types of HPV at some point in their lives. While most of them are not harmful and go away on their own, there are some which can cause medical issues.

These HPV types are divided into two categories – high-risk strains and low-risk strains. Low-risk strains like types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts, but these can be treated with warts treatment in Singapore. However, high-risk strains like types 16 and 18 are asymptomatic and may lead to cancer if left unchecked. HPV can be detected through testing such as Pap smears. Early detection allows for the treatment of high-risk strains before they cause cancer. You can also get vaccinated against these harmful strains of HPV at an STD clinic in Singapore.

Herpes

Herpes is an infection that can be transmitted via the mouth or genitals. It is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus – herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 can infect the mouth or genitals, while HSV-2 almost exclusively infects the genital or anal area. In some cases, HSV-1 causes cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2 causes blisters to form around the genital area. However, oral and genital herpes are often asymptomatic.

There is currently no cure for herpes. However, there are treatment methods that can help to manage the symptoms when they appear. To minimise the chance of getting infected with herpes, or transmitting it to others, practising safe sex is key. This includes the use of condoms or dental dams, as well as avoiding sexual contact with individuals undergoing an outbreak. Testing for herpes can be done in two ways. A blood test can be conducted to test for herpes antibodies, or a swab test can be done to check for herpes DNA.

HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks a person’s immune cells. This causes the person to become more vulnerable to other infections, as their immune system is unable to combat the pathogens effectively. If left untreated, this can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, better known as AIDS. Most commonly, HIV is spread through unprotected penetrative sex and through sharing needles or syringes. Only certain body fluids can transmit HIV, including blood, pre-seminal fluid, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and rectal fluids.

Sometimes, an infected person experiences flu-like symptoms about 1 to 4 weeks after infection. However, in a majority of cases, they experience no symptoms, or very mild symptoms, during the early stages of HIV infection. This asymptomatic period can last for 10 to 15 years, during which the virus continues to multiply and attack the immune system. Furthermore, HIV is still transmittable during this period.

There are a few ways to prevent the transmission of HIV, such as using condoms or taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Those who have been recently exposed to HIV can also take a course of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risk of infection. Still, it is important to undergo HIV testing if one suspects that they have been exposed to the virus. This allows for life-saving treatment to be given before the disease progresses to AIDS.

Conclusion

Despite being asymptomatic, an infected individual can continue to spread these STDs to others. As such, it can be beneficial for sexually active people to get regular testing at an STD clinic in Singapore, or get tested when they suspect that they have been exposed to the pathogen.

To seek medical advice about HIV testing and other STD tests, call Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.