Can I Get Tested Without Showing Symptoms?

The short answer? Absolutely. Just because your body isn’t throwing up red flags doesn’t mean you should skip out on STI testing. In fact, many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are sneaky and don’t show any symptoms. Getting tested, even when you feel perfectly fine, is one of the best ways to take control of your sexual health. Let’s dive into why testing matters, what the experts say, and why “I feel fine” isn’t a valid excuse to skip the clinic.

Why Should I Get Tested If I Have No Symptoms?

Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t always come with the telltale signs you might expect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV frequently cause no symptoms at all—especially in the early stages. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) also notes that up to 70% of people with female reproductive organs and 50% of people with male reproductive organs with chlamydia don’t show any symptoms. And let’s not forget HIV—many people don’t experience symptoms for years, which is why routine testing is essential.

Skipping testing just because you feel fine is like assuming your car doesn’t need an oil change just because it hasn’t exploded yet. Preventative maintenance matters.

How Often Should I Get Tested?

The answer depends on your lifestyle, but general guidelines from the CDC, PHAC, and Public Health Ontariosuggest:

Once a year if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
Every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners, engage in condomless sex, or are at higher risk.
Immediately if you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner or suspect exposure.
During pregnancy, as some STIs can affect both parent and baby.

Nothing clears your mind of worries like getting a clean bill of health.

What STIs Are Commonly Asymptomatic?

Some infections are more likely to fly under the radar than others. Here are some of the biggest offenders:

Chlamydia – Often symptom-free, but can lead to complications like infertility if untreated.
Gonorrhea – Can cause silent infections in the throat, rectum, or genitals.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – Most cases clear on their own, but high-risk strains can lead to cancer.
HIV – Early symptoms are often mild or nonexistent, making regular testing crucial.
Trichomoniasis – Around 70% of infected people don’t show symptoms but can still spread it.

Basically, STIs don’t always make a grand entrance. Sometimes, they just quietly take up residence in your body without sending an eviction notice.

What Happens During an STI Test?

Testing doesn’t have to be invasive, terrifying experience. It’s always helpful to know what to expect ahead of time. Most STI tests are quick, simple, and relatively painless. Depending on what you’re being tested for, you might:

Take a urine sample (common for chlamydia and gonorrhea).
Draw blood (used for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C).
Swab your mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum (for infections that thrive in those areas).
Do a physical exam (if there are visible symptoms like sores or warts).

When you use an at-home testing option, you can self-administer your test, so that at least you don’t have to have a stranger getting intimate with your bits.

Where Can I Get Tested?

You have plenty of options for STI testing, depending on where you live. In Canada, PHAC and Public Health Ontario recommends sexual health clinics, and family doctors, as well as at-home testing kits – like trusti!

What If I Test Positive?

First, don’t panic. Many STIs are easily treatable with antibiotics or manageable with medication. Testing positive isn’t a death sentence—it’s just information that helps you take the right steps forward.

If you test positive:

Seek confirmatory testing, provided you tested positive on an at-home test or rapid test.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan – Whether it’s a simple antibiotic or long-term management, sticking to treatment is key.
Inform your partners – It might be an awkward conversation, but it’s the responsible thing to do.
Get retested – Some infections require follow-up testing to make sure they’re gone.
Use protection going forward – Condoms, dental dams, and regular testing help prevent future infections.

The Bottom Line

Just because you feel fine doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many STIs don’t show symptoms, and regular testing is the only way to be sure of your status. Think of STI testing as part of routine self-care—like brushing your teeth or ignoring texts from your ex. It’s just something you should do.

So, if it’s been a while since your last test (or if you’ve never had one), go ahead and book that appointment. Future you—and your future partners—will thank you for it.