The Risks of STDs That Don’t Have Symptoms

The spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Pennsylvania is increasing while rates are declining across much of the U.S.

In 2025, the Philadelphia area saw some of the highest rates in the country of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Experts expect these unfortunate numbers to keep climbing through 2026.

Did you know? STDs, especially when left untreated, are closely linked to reproductive challenges. Read on to learn how STDs cause infertility, common myths about STDs and when to get tested.

Can STDs make you infertile?

Yes, untreated STDs can cause infertility in both men and women, but there is no fixed timeline for when an infection might begin to impact reproductive health. It can range from a few weeks to several years and the risks increase the longer an infection is untreated, which can be alarming since many STDs are asymptomatic. Without visible symptoms to act as a warning, proactive testing and early treatment are your best tools for protecting your future fertility.

Getting tested, practicing “safer” sex, removing the stigma of STDs, and learning more about your individual risk is key to preventing future fertility issues.

Causes of infertility

There are many health conditions that can cause a person to become infertile, from STDs to bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal infection that can damage a woman’s reproductive tract).

Let’s dispel a few common myths about STDs:

• Only individuals with multiple partners can get an STD – Not true! It only takes one unsafe encounter to get one.
• You’ll know if you have an STD – Nope! Many are asymptomatic, so you could have zero STD symptoms.
• You can’t get the same STD twice – Wrong again! Successful STD treatment doesn’t guarantee you immunity. If you’re sexually active, regular testing is still necessary.

How do STDs affect female fertility?

The spread of an STD can damage the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes, causing scarring and inflammation that makes conception more difficult.

• Chlamydia – Often called the “silent STD”. When untreated, the infection can cause Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) which increases the risk of infertility. PID can also increase the risk of life-threatening ectopic pregnancies (where the pregnancy develops outside the womb).
• Gonorrhea – Can be asymptomatic. When untreated, gonorrhea can spread to other reproductive organs (including the uterus and fallopian tubes) causing PID.
• HPV – Is the most common STD in the U.S. Persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to cervical changes or cancer, potentially impacting fertility. There is an HPV vaccine available that helps prevent the strains that cause the most severe complications and protect future fertility.
• Syphilis – While uncommon for women, the effects of untreated syphilis are especially dangerous for women who become pregnant. Untreated syphilis significantly raises the risks of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and stillbirth (as high as 50%).

How do STDs affect male fertility?

Having an STD can decrease sperm production, lower the quality of their sperm, restrict sperm flow, and/or cause long-term damage to the reproductive system, hindering their ability to fertilize an egg.

• Chlamydia – Can develop into epididymitis, a painful testicular infection that can lead to infertility in rare cases.
• Gonorrhea – Causes infertility primarily through scarring and/or inflammation in the male reproductive tract that blocks sperm flow.
• HPV – Untreated and certain high-risk infections are linked to a lower sperm count and poor sperm quality.
• Syphilis – Without treatment, blocked sperm ducts can develop that prevent sperm from being released during ejaculation. Over time, they will become infertile.

How to know if you have an STD

The only way to know 100% if you do or don’t have an STD is to get tested regularly. Never rely on self-diagnosis, which can put you and your partner(s) health and future fertility in jeopardy – especially if you have an STD that is symptom-free.

Be proactive about your sexual health and get tested regularly if you are sexually active. All vybe urgent care locations offer convenient and confidential STD testing. In addition, our Spring Garden and University City locations offer rapid STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis (Trich) for both men and women.

vybe urgent care is open 7 days a week with extended weeknight hours, so walk in or schedule an appointment for STD testing at your nearest vybe location today.

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