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STIs can be 'silent'

STI testing: why is it important, even without symptoms?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as venereal diseases, are a major global public health problem. Many STIs can develop without obvious symptoms, creating a false sense of security and allowing unintentional transmission to partners. Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent serious complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease or increased risk of HIV infection.

The Elytis Hospitalwe understand the importance of sexual health and offer a full range of dermatovenerology servicesincluding STI testing and treatment.

Our team of dermatovenerologists combines scientific expertise with an empathetic and confidential approach to help you maintain your sexual health and prevent complications.

This article explores the importance of testing for STIs, even in the absence of symptoms, and gives you information about the most common 'silent' infections, risk factors, complications and ways to prevent them.

Why get tested for STIs, even without symptoms?

Many STIs can develop without visible symptoms, especially in the early stages. This means that a person can be infected and pass the infection on without knowing it. Regular testing is essential for:

  • Early detection and timely treatment: Early treatment can prevent serious complications and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to partners.
  • Prevent complications: untreated STIs can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, increased risk of HIV infection and other health problems.
  • Peace of mind: Testing can give you peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about your sexual health.

Most common "silent" venereal infections

1. Chlamydia:

  • Cause: bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis).
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but may cause vaginal or urethral discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain.
  • Complications: infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, reactive arthritis.

2. Gonorrhea:

  • Cause: bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae).
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but may cause vaginal or urethral discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain.
  • Complications: infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, disseminated infections (joint, heart, brain).

3. Syphilis:

  • Cause: bacteria (Treponema pallidum).
  • Symptoms: Progresses in several stages, with variable symptoms including genital ulcerations, rash, fever, headache. In late stages, it can affect the brain, heart and other organs.

4. Genital herpes:

  • Cause: herpes simplex virus (HSV).
  • Symptoms: May be asymptomatic or may cause painful blisters in the genital area, fever, muscle aches. The infection is chronic and may recur.

5. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV):

  • Cause: HPV virus.
  • Symptoms: Most infections are asymptomatic, but certain strains can cause genital warts or cervical cancer.

6. Trichomoniasis:

  • Cause: parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis).
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause vaginal discharge, unpleasant odor, irritation and itching.

7. Hepatitis B and C:

  • Cause: liver viruses B and C.
  • Symptoms: May be asymptomatic or may cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). May lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

8. HIV:

  • Cause: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Symptoms: May be asymptomatic in early stages but can cause fever, sore throat, rash, fatigue. If untreated, leads to AIDS.

Risk factors for STIs

Certain factors can increase your risk of contracting an STI:

  • Unprotected sexual activity: Sex without a condom increases the risk of STI transmission.
  • Multiple sexual partners: The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting an STI.
  • History of STI: If you've had an STI in the past, you're more likely to contract another infection.
  • Alcohol or drug use: Alcohol or drug use can lead to risky sexual behavior.
  • Young age: Young people are more likely to contract STIs due to lack of experience and knowledge about sexual health.

Complications of untreated STIs

Untreated STIs can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

  • Infertility: in both men and women.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infections of the female reproductive organs that can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
  • Cervical cancer: Certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
  • Increased risk of HIV infection: genital ulcers caused by certain STIs can facilitate HIV transmission.
  • Problems during pregnancy: STIs can cause premature delivery, low birth weight or transmission of infection to the fetus.
  • Neurological problems: untreated syphilis can affect the brain and nervous system.
  • Heart problems: Untreated gonorrhea and syphilis can damage the heart.

STI prevention

  • Use a condom every time you have sex: Condoms are the most effective way to prevent STIs.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners: The fewer sexual partners you have, the lower your risk of contracting an STI.
  • Test regularly for STIs: Even in the absence of symptoms, regular testing is important for early detection and timely treatment.
  • Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B: Vaccination can protect against these infections.
  • Communicate openly with your partner about sexual health: Talk openly with your partner about your sexual history and the importance of testing and prevention.

Dermatovenerology services at Elytis Hospital

Elytis Hospital offers a full range of dermatovenerology servicesdedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin, hair and nail conditions, including sexually transmitted infections.

Our services include:

  • Dermatovenerologic consultations: Health assessment and establishment of a personalized treatment plan.
  • STI testing: we offer a wide range of tests for STIs, including blood, urine and secretions.
  • STI treatment: personalized treatment for a variety of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes and trichomoniasis.
  • Sexual health advice: information on STI prevention, contraceptive methods and vaccination.

The Elytis Hospitalwe are dedicated to your health, offering quality medical services based on professionalism, empathy and an individualized approach.

Don't put off taking care of your sexual health! Schedule a dermatovenerology consultation at Elytis Hospital and benefit from the expertise and dedication of our team.

For appointments, call 0332.803.783 or visit the Elytis Hospital website.

Latest medical review:

20.01.2025, Dr. Mădălina Iosip-Bejan – Medic Specialist Dermato-venerologie