You Might Have an STI and Not Know It : QueerLips Drops the Truth

This article was written in consultation with Dr. Swathi SB

As we roll through STI Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time to talk about something super important, but maybe not the most comfortable topic: STIs. 

We know talking about sex and STIs can feel awkward (even with your doctor). And we also know that a lot of us in the queer and trans fam grew up without proper sex ed that actually made sense for our lives.

We often think of infections as things that make us feel crummy – you know, a cold that knocks you off your feet or a stomach bug that has you running to the bathroom. But guess what? When it comes to sexually transmitted infections, things can be a lot sneakier. 

You can have an STI and not even know it.
Yep — no symptoms, no itching, no burning, nothing. But the infection? It’s still there. And it can still be passed on to your sexual partner(s).

This “silent spread” poses a significant risk which is why regular STI screening is not just for “when something feels off.” It’s part of a healthy, affirming sex life — just like lube and consent.

The Hidden Danger: Why Asymptomatic STIs Matter

So, why should we even worry about STIs that don’t make us feel sick? Well, there are a couple of really important reasons why these silent infections are kind of a big deal!

Untreated Infections and Long-Term Health Risks : Even though you might not feel any immediate discomfort, asymptomatic STIs can still be active within the body.  If they hang around undiagnosed and untreated for too long, they can lead to some serious and potentially irreversible health complications We’re talking about stuff like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – which can be super painful, infertility in both men and women, ectopic pregnancies, chronic pain, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Unintentional Transmission : Even if you feel 100% healthy, you can still totally unintentionally pass an asymptomatic STI to your sexual partners. Think about it – if you don’t know you have it, you’re not going to be taking extra precautions, right? This means these silent infections can bounce from person to person without anyone realizing, leading to more infections and potential health problems for everyone. It’s like a game of tag, but nobody knows they’re “it.”

The Usual Suspects : Common Asymptomatic STIs that fly under the radar

Several common STIs are notorious for their ability to remain undetected due to a lack of noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages:

• Chlamydia: Often called the “silent infection,” chlamydia frequently presents without any symptoms, particularly in individuals with vaginas. If symptoms do pop up, they might be things like a weird discharge, a burn when you pee, lower abdominal pain. The asymptomatic nature of chlamydia allows it to spread easily and cause significant reproductive health issues if left untreated.

• Gonorrhea: Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhea can also be asymptomatic in many individuals, especially in the early stages. If symptoms appear, you might see some discharge, feel pain when you pee, or have some discomfort down below.  But because it often doesn’t cause early alarms, it can easily spread without anyone knowing.The absence of early warning signs facilitates its silent transmission and potential for complications.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): This is a really widespread virus, and there are tons of different types. The vast majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and will clear up on their own. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which you can see. But the ones we really worry about – the high-risk types that can lead to cancer – usually don’t give you any heads-up. This lack of symptoms underscores the importance of regular screening tests like Pap tests and HPV tests for individuals with a cervix are so important for catching any sneaky changes early.

• Genital Herpes: We often think of herpes with those annoying and sometimes painful blisters. But the herpes simplex virus (HSV)  can also be hanging around and even be passed on when there are no sores visible. This is called asymptomatic shedding, and it means you could be contagious even when you feel totally fine and there’s nothing to see i.e no visible sores or symptoms. Asymptomatic shedding contributes to the ongoing transmission of herpes.

• Hepatitis B and C: These are viruses that mainly mess with your liver, and guess what? Many people, especially with Hepatitis C in the early stages, don’t feel a thing. Even chronic Hepatitis C can be a silent creeper for years until your liver starts to show some serious damage. Hepatitis B can also be sneaky in many adults. Just because you feel okay doesn’t mean these infections aren’t doing their thing and can’t be passed on through blood and other bodily fluids. The silent nature of these infections highlights the importance of screening, particularly for individuals with risk factors.

• Syphilis : This one’s got a bit of a reputation as a master of disguise, sometimes even called ‘The Great Imitator.’ And for good reason! It can be super sneaky and either mimic other health issues from skin rashes, fever, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms or just hang out without causing any obvious signs, especially in those later, ‘latent’ stages. In the early days, syphilis often shows up as this painless sore called a ‘chancre.’ Now, this chancre mostly occurs in the genital/anal/oral area but can be so mild or pop up in other places you might not even notice! It can disappear on its own, even without treatment sometimes but don’t be fooled – the infection is still there, doing its thing and can move into later stages without causing any clear symptoms for ages. Seriously, this ‘asymptomatic phase’ can last for years while the bacteria is quietly causing damage inside. If it goes untreated, late-stage syphilis can cause some really serious and irreversible problems with your brain, nerves, and heart. That’s why getting screened, even if you’re feeling totally fine, is so important for catching syphilis early and dodging those long-term health bullets!

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): When you first get infected with HIV, some people might have flu-like symptoms for a little while, but loads of others don’t feel anything at all. This symptom-free period can actually last for years. But during this asymptomatic phase, the virus is still active, weakening your immune system, and you can still pass it on. This is why getting tested for HIV is so incredibly important, no matter how great you feel. Finding out early means you can start treatment, stay healthier, and prevent passing it on. 

Staying Ahead of the Curve : The Importance of Regular STI Screening

The big takeaway here is that feeling good doesn’t mean you’re in the clear when it comes to STIs. The prevalence of asymptomatic STIs only goes to show the critical role of regular STI screening for all sexually active individuals, regardless of whether they experience any symptoms. Getting tested is the only reliable way to determine your STI status, the only way to truly know what’s going on. 

Think of STI screening as just another way to look after yourself, like going to the dentist or getting your eyes checked. It’s a responsible way to care for your own health and be considerate of your partners. Regular screening allows for early detection, timely treatment, and informed decisions about safer sex practices.

So, let’s break down any awkwardness and make regular STI testing a normal, necessary, routine part of our healthcare.

QueerLips’ Last Love Note:

Getting tested might feel overwhelming , scary and like a big step –  but really, it just means you care. About your body, your pleasure, and your community. And if you test positive? You’re still valid, still loveable, and you deserve care without judgment.

Whether you’re topping, bottoming, scissoring, or doing something so iconic there isn’t even a name for it — just get screened, bestie.

——————————————————————————————————————–

Need help finding a queer-affirming provider?

We have a directory of 151+ Queer-Trans Affirmative Doctors listed on our website for you to choose from providers listed on Safe Access 

And QueerLips also has your back (and your front). You can ask anything related to LGBTQ sexual and reproductive health (anonymously) and get personalized answers vetted by affirmative healthcare provider 

——————————————————————————————————————–

Resources:

• Chlamydia: https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/index.html
• Gonorrhea: https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/index.html
• Genital Herpes: https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/index.html
• Hepatitis B: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/index.html
• Hepatitis C: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/index.html
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/index.html

——————————————————————————————————————–

About the author

Aayushi Patnaik’s background spans gender and queer studies, digital communications, films and community-centered research. At Safe Access, she leads communication strategies, content creation, fostering community engagement and outreach across platforms to amplify LGBTQ+ rights, SRHRJ and mental health advocacy. With a Master’s in Gender, Culture, and Development Studies, they hold research interests in chosen families, digital communities, and queer pop culture.

Dr Swathi SB is a Primary care & HIV physician and public health professional. She advocates for health as a right and focuses on addressing health inequities through research, implementation and strengthening health systems. She explores the intersection between health, gender, and sexuality. She has worked with women in sex work, and transgender communities delivering primary care and understanding the issues related to the provision of comprehensive HIV and primary health care.