You’ve probably heard the old saying, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” But when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of STDs that can lie dormant, their asymptomatic nature, and what they mean for your sexual health.
STDs can be that too Real be inactive?
Yes, some STDs can indeed be inactive. This ability to remain ‘dormant’ or silent means that people often don’t realize they need treatment – or that they may be passing the infection on to others.
Understanding dormant STDs
When we say an STD is dormant, we mean that the infection is present in the body but does not cause any noticeable symptoms. This dormant state can last for weeks, months, or even years, depending on the specific infection.
During this time:
- The infected person may feel completely healthy and be unaware of the infection
- The pathogen remains alive and can possibly multiply in the body
- The infection can still be transmitted to sexual partners
- If left untreated, it can lead to complications over time
Which STDs remain dormant?
While each infection is unique in the way it affects the body, they all have one troubling characteristic in common: the ability to cause damage while flying under the radar. Here’s what you need to know about a few common STDs and their ability to slumber.
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is estimated that approximately 70-80% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia experience no symptoms, effectively rendering their infections inactive. This high number of asymptomatic cases is the reason regular STD testing is critical, especially for sexually active individuals.
Rest period
The duration of chlamydia dormancy can vary from person to person. In some cases, the infection can become symptomatic within weeks of exposure. In other cases, it can remain dormant for months or even years. There is no set timeline and that is why consistent testing is so important.
Risks
While dormant chlamydia may not cause immediate discomfort, it is far from harmless. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Women: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancies.
- Gentlemen: Epididymitis, which can lead to infertility if severe or left untreated.
- Both sexes: Increased risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV.
Testing
For both men and women, a simple urine sample is the most common type of Chlamydia test for both men and women. Results usually come back within a few days and many clinics offer rapid testing results on the same day.
- Women aged 25 and over with new or multiple partners must also be tested annually
- Pregnant women should be tested during their first prenatal visit
- Men who have sex with men must be tested at least annually
Remark: Wait one to two weeks after exposure to a new partner before getting tested, because testing too early can miss the infection
2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most common STD worldwide, with more than 200 strains identified. Its ability to remain inactive for long periods makes it particularly difficult to detect and control.
Rest period
HPV can remain inactive for years or even decades. Some individuals can clear the virus naturally within two years, while for others it can go unnoticed for much longer.
Risks
While many strains of HPV are harmless, some high-risk types (such as HPV 16 and 18) can lead to various cancers if left undetected. These include:
- Cervical cancer (the most common HPV-related cancer)
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancers (throat, tongue and tonsils)
- Cancer of the penis
- Vulvar and vaginal cancers
Testing
- For women: Regular Pap smears are crucial for the early detection of HPV-related cell changes in the cervix. The American Cancer Society recommends that women between the ages of 25 and 65 get an HPV test every five years, or a Pap smear every three years, or a combination of both every five years.
- For men: Currently, there is no approved test for HPV in men. Regular physical exams and open communication with healthcare providers are important.
Prevention
HPV vaccines are available and highly effective in preventing infection by the most dangerous HPV strains. The CDC recommends vaccination for:
- All children aged 11-12
- Everyone up to and including 26 years of age, if they have not yet been vaccinated
- Some adults between 27 and 45 years who have not yet been vaccinated, after consulting their doctor
3. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Both HSV-1 (usually associated with oral herpes) and HSV-2 (usually associated with herpes in the lower body) can cause genital herpes, and both can have longer periods of dormancy.
Rest period
Herpes can last a lifetime, with the virus alternating between active and dormant phases. The initial infection is often followed by a latent period during which the virus hides in nerve cells.
Risks
- Increased risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV
- Possible complications during pregnancy, including neonatal herpes
- Rare complications such as encephalitis or meningitis
- Psychological problems due to recurrent outbreaks
Testing
- Blood tests can detect HSV antibodies even during rest periods.
- During outbreaks, viral culture or PCR tests for ulcers may be performed.
Management
Although there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can shorten and suppress outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission to partners.
4. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is known for its long asymptomatic period, during which the virus actively weakens the immune system without causing noticeable symptoms.
Rest period
The asymptomatic period of HIV can last several years. Without treatment, the average time from infection to AIDS diagnosis is about ten years, but this can vary greatly from person to person.
Risks
- Progression to AIDS if left untreated
- Increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers
- Higher risk of transmitting the virus to others, especially if you are unaware of the infection
- Long-term health complications affecting multiple organ systems
Testing
The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of their regular health care.
Treatment and prevention
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available for high-risk individuals to prevent HIV infection.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be used in emergency situations after possible exposure.
5. Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that goes through several stages, including a latent (dormant) phase. His ability to mimic other diseases has earned him the nickname “the great imitator.”
Rest period
The latent stage of syphilis can last for years. It is divided into early latent (first year after infection) and late latent (after the first year).
Phases and risks
- Primary phase: Painless ulcer (schancre) at the site of infection
- Secondary phase: Skin rash and/or ulcers in the mouth, vagina or anus
- Latent phase: No visible signs or symptoms
- Tertiary phase: Can occur 10-30 years after infection and affect multiple organ systems
Treatment
Early testing is key to preventing long-term complications. Most cases of syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, such as penicillin.
6. Hepatitis B and C
Both viral infections can remain dormant for extended periods of time, silently damaging the liver.
- Hepatitis B Rest period: This can take years or even decades. Some people clear the virus naturally, while others develop a chronic infection.
- Hepatitis C Rest period: Can remain asymptomatic for decades. Many people are unaware that they are infected until the liver damage is advanced.
The importance of regular STD testing
Many people mistakenly think that the absence of symptoms means they are STD-free. However, as we have seen, many STDs can lurk silently in the body for years or even decades.
If you suspect you have an STD or have been exposed to one, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice get tested. Remember, early detection and treatment are critical to preventing the spread of STDs and protecting your long-term health.