Asymptomatic infection - meaning and definition
Alsoasymptomaticsilent infectionno symptomssymptomless infectionasymptomatic carrier
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
An asymptomatic infection is one that causes no noticeable symptoms; many STIs are asymptomatic for long periods but can still be passed on and cause harm.
At a glance
- An asymptomatic infection causes no noticeable symptoms.
- Many STIs can go unnoticed for months or years.
- Asymptomatic infections can still be passed on and cause harm.
- Feeling well is not a reliable sign of being free of STIs.
- Regular testing is recommended for sexually active people, especially after a new partner.
In detail
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, herpes, HPV and HIV can all go unnoticed for months or years. Feeling well is therefore not a reliable sign of being free of STIs.
This is why regular testing is recommended for sexually active people, especially after a new partner, even when nothing seems wrong.
In a sentence
- The nurse said chlamydia is often asymptomatic, so testing is the only way to know.
- I had no symptoms at all, which is why the result surprised me.
Where the word comes from
"Asymptomatic" combines the Greek prefix "a-" (without) with "symptom".
Common questions
Can you pass on an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV and HIV, can be passed on even when the person has no symptoms. This is why regular testing is recommended.
Why get tested if I feel fine?
Because many STIs cause no symptoms but can still cause harm or be passed on. Testing after a new partner, or regularly, helps catch infections early. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.