Dear questions7,

Yes, you can have any sexually transmitted infection and have no symptoms. While some people experience symptoms of an infection, like discharge, burning, or itching in the genital area, other people can have a sexually transmitted infection and have no symptoms at all.

For example, 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. And, on average, people with HIV don't develop symptoms for 10 years.

Practicing safer sex is very important because infections are often spread between partners who have no symptoms of infection.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.