How long can an STD be dormant?

Several of the more than 20 types of STDs can lie dormant for months, years, or even decades. Dormant STDs and STIs highlight the importance of sexual health testing, as only a test can determine if an asymptomatic infection is present.


How long can an STD go undetected?

Some STDs have symptoms, but many don't, so they can go unnoticed for a long time. For example, it can take more than 10 years for HIV symptoms to show up, and infections like herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be spread even if there are no symptoms.

Can STDs lie dormant for years?

It depends on which sexually transmitted infection (STI) you have. Symptoms can develop within a few days or weeks, but sometimes they do not appear until months or even years later. Often there are few or no symptoms and you may not know you have an STI.


What is the longest that an STD can show up?

The incubation periods for STDs vary significantly; here are just a few examples of STD incubation periods: Gonorrhea – One to 28 days. Genital and oral herpes – Two to 12 days. Trichomoniasis – Five to 28 days.

Will a dormant STD show up on a test?

Even though they are generally asymptomatic or dormant, they will still test positive for the STD. Most STDs that are in a dormant stage can be detected with a test. Even though the STD is asymptomatic doesn't mean that it is not present in your system or that it can not be spread through sexual contact.


How Soon Can STD Symptoms Appear?



Can chlamydia be dormant for 20 years?

Chlamydia Dormancy Facts

Although some symptoms can appear within weeks of contact, there have been reports of chlamydia remaining dormant for over twenty years. If you have had recent sexual contact and wonder about chlamydia infections, don't hesitate to test.

What STD can go undetected?

7 STDs That Don't Show Any Symptoms
  • Chlamydia. Thomas BarwickGetty Images. ...
  • Gonorrhea. Tom WernerGetty Images. ...
  • HIV. Hero ImagesGetty Images. ...
  • Genital Herpes. Jose Luis PelaezGetty Images. ...
  • Trichomoniasis. Jose Luis Pelaez IncGetty Images. ...
  • HPV. Caiaimage/Agnieszka WozniakGetty Images. ...
  • Hepatitis B. Hero ImagesGetty Images.


Can an STD show up 7 years later?

Several of the more than 20 types of STDs can lie dormant for months, years, or even decades. Dormant STDs and STIs highlight the importance of sexual health testing, as only a test can determine if an asymptomatic infection is present.


What are the first signs of an STD in a man?

Symptoms
  • Burning or itching in the penis.
  • A drip (discharge) from the penis.
  • Pain around pelvis.
  • Sores, bumps or blisters on penis, anus, or mouth.
  • Burning and pain with urine or with bowel movements.
  • Having to go to the bathroom often.


How long can trichomoniasis be dormant in a man?

There is no true dormancy period with trichomoniasis. If you have it, you have it. Your symptoms may just be too mild for you to realize it. Most importantly, you could be spreading it to your sexual partner(s).

Can chlamydia lay dormant for 7 years?

Chlamydia can lie dormant for months or years and it is often detected through screening and routine sexual health testing. If symptoms do develop, it usually takes 1-3 weeks after exposure to notice signs.


How long can chlamydia lay dormant in males?

Most people who have chlamydia don't notice any symptoms.

If you do get symptoms, these usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after having unprotected sex with an infected person. For some people they don't develop until many months later. Sometimes the symptoms can disappear after a few days.

What STDs are typically dormant?

Yes, some STDs, including genital herpes, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis C can lie dormant or inactive in the body. During this time, you will be unlikely to experience symptoms. In some cases, STDs can lie dormant in the body throughout a person's life.

What STD has no symptoms for men?

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. The organism usually infects the urinary tract in men, but often causes no symptoms.


Can you have chlamydia for years without knowing?

Young, sexually active females need testing every year. Most people who have chlamydia don't know it. Often the disease has no symptoms. You can pass chlamydia to others without knowing it.

What are the first signs of an STD in a woman?

Signs of STD symptoms in women:

Discharge (thick or thin, milky white, yellow, or green leakage from the vagina) Vaginal itching. Vaginal blisters or blisters in the genital area (the region covered by underwear) Vaginal rash or rash in the genital area.

What is the most common STD in men?

What's the most common STD in men? Chlamydia is also the most common STD that affects men. About 578,000 cases were reported in 2017 in just males. Chlamydia doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms, either, especially in men.


What STD symptoms appear immediately?

STDs that may show signs and symptoms soon after exposure include herpes and gonorrhea.
...
The most common first signs of an STD include:
  • Abnormal bleeding.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Pain in the pelvic area.
  • Pain in the testes.
  • Unusual bumps and/or blisters.


Who is more likely to get an STD male or female?

Women are also biologically more vulnerable to STDs than are men. Women are more susceptible to STDs during sexual intercourse because the vaginal surface is larger and more vulnerable to sexual secretions than the primarily skin-covered penis.

Can I test negative for STD and still have it?

It is possible to get a negative test result and still have an STD. Given the potential impact of some STDs—from genital warts to fertility issues to cancer and more—it may seem unlikely that you could have one and not know it. But very often, that's the case.


Can chlamydia lie dormant and test negative?

Yes, chlamydia can lie dormant in the body, causing a low-grade infection without symptoms.

Which STI can be fatal if untreated?

Left untreated, syphilis can kill, and gonorrhea can cause infertility. Non-viral STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured.

What STI is known as the silent infection?

Some refer to chlamydia as a “silent” infection. This is because most people with the infection have no symptoms or abnormal physical exam findings.


How did I get gonorrhea if my partner doesn't have it?

The short answer

For example, someone might have tested negative for genital gonorrhea but not been tested for oral or anal gonorrhea, and potentially transmit the STI through anal or oral intercourse.

Can you go 10 years without knowing you have chlamydia?

Symptoms can occur within 2-14 days after infection. However, a person may have chlamydia for months, or even years, without knowing it.