Sex, Etc. -- Is it possible to have an STD and not have any...

Is it possible to have an STD and not have any visible symptoms? If so, how can I know if my partner is infected?

Yes, it's very possible to have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and no symptoms, and that means your partner can have one and not know it, too.

Although sometimes a person might have very visible symptoms, like sores or bumps on their penis, groin, vulva or thighs, most STD's have mild symptoms in a place that's very difficult to see, or no symptoms at all.

For example, HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can live in the body for 10 years without a person feeling any symptoms. And HPV is the most common STD, because it usually has no symptoms, and so people spread it without knowing they have it. Unfortunately, the long-term consequences of these infections are very harmful to your health.

Since you can't tell if someone has an STD by looking at them, that means you need to both get tested regularly and have an open conversation before you have any risky sex play together.

Ask your partner if they've ever had an STD and if it was treated.
Ask your partner when they last got tested and if they are willing to get tested again.
Ask your partner if they practiced safer sex with (any? all?) past partners and if that included oral sex.

Remember, if you can't talk to your partner before having sex, maybe you need more time to get ready for all the responsibilities that come with it, like talking openly and honestly with your partner, learning how to practice safer sex, getting regular health care like Pap Smears and STD testing. These are some big responsibilities, so make sure you are really ready.

Most clinics and hospitals offer free or low-cost STD testing. To find a clinic near you, check the yellow pages under "Clinics" or "Family Planning," or locate a Planned Parenthood Health Center near you at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here.

Got a question about STDs? Call the CDC's national hotline at 1-800-227-8922, open 24/7.

Your Comments

RE: STDs?

Posted by: DanR on Feb 11th, 2008 12:29pm

There are some STDs that are spread from skin to skin
contact. So even if you and your partner have never had
sex, if you have had bare skin to skin contact with others,
it is possible to have contracted an STD. For that reason,
you should definitely use a condom, even during oral sex.
Also, because abstinence is the only 100% safe form of birth
control, we do recommend a combination of hormonal birth
control (like the pill) and a latex barrier (like a condom)
to increase your protection.

STDs?

Posted by: Bregedur83 on Feb 10th, 2008 12:31am

Both my partner and I have never had sex, how possible is it
that either of us has an STD? If I am on birth control do
we need a condom? Will we still need a condom for oral sex?

RE: wondering too....

Posted by: DanR on Jan 8th, 2008 1:54pm

Unfortunately, there is no way for us to diagnose you
online, but we can offer some possible answers. One
possibility is sebaceous cysts (smooth bumps that occur just
under the skin). Another is ingrown hairs, which are more
common if you have very curly pubic hair or if you shave or
wax. Both of these usually go away on their own. Of course
you can always see your health care provider or visit a
local clinic. To find a local clinic, see this site:
http://www.sexetc.org/page/get_tested/.

wondering too....

Posted by: Colide4Him on Jan 7th, 2008 7:52pm

i have the same problem as elinor...but i'm a virgin, very
very virgin. i couldn't have an STD, so how do i know?

RE: ummm....

Posted by: DanR on Nov 5th, 2007 1:49pm

Ouch! I'm sure that must be very uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, there is no way for us to diagnose you
online. It could be an STD or it might simply be a urinary
tract infection. Only a health care provider can figure out
what's going on, but you need get checked out so the
infection doesn't get worse. If you had vaginal, oral or
anal sex and didn't use a condom or dental dam each time,
you may have been exposed to an STD. See our Get Tested
page to find a clinic. I hope you feel better!

ummm....

Posted by: Tiasha on Nov 4th, 2007 11:43pm

it hurts when i pee. is it a std or something ?

wondering?

Posted by: elinor on Sep 10th, 2007 10:05pm

I have these white little bumps on my vulva, they dont hurt
or anything but i was wondering if thats normal or maybe i
have an STI?

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