Men’s Sexual Health Is More Than “No Symptoms”: Why Regular STI Testing Still Matters

For a lot of men, “I feel fine” has become a sexual health strategy. No burning, no discharge, no weird bumps? Then everything must be okay…right?

Not quite.

When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially for men who are sexually active with multiple partners or in non‑monogamous relationships, “no symptoms” does not mean “no infection.” Many of the most common STIs in men are frequently asymptomatic — you can have them, pass them on, and never know until there’s a complication or a partner tests positive.

Regular STI testing isn’t an optional extra. It’s a core part of men’s sexual health.

The “No Symptoms” Myth

Men often rely on “how I feel” instead of getting tested because:

• They’re taught STIs always come with obvious symptoms 

• Masculinity myths tell men to “tough it out” or avoid doctors 

• Shame and fear around sexual health conversations 

• Worry about being judged by partners or healthcare providers 

But the science is clear: many STIs in men cause no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.

Asymptomatic STIs in Men: What the Evidence Shows

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide. In men, it often infects the urethra, rectum, or throat.

• An estimated 50% or more of chlamydia infections in men can be asymptomatic, especially rectal infections in men who have sex with men (MSM).

• Untreated chlamydia can lead to urethritis, epididymitis (testicular pain/swelling), and potential fertility issues.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can infect the urethra, rectum, and throat.

• Urethral infections in men are more likely to cause symptoms, but rectal and pharyngeal (throat) infections are frequently asymptomatic. 

• Asymptomatic rectal gonorrhea is particularly common in MSM.

• Untreated gonorrhea can cause chronic pain, infertility, and increases the risk of HIV transmission.

Syphilis

Syphilis is often called “the great imitator” because its symptoms can be mild, mistaken for something else, or go unnoticed.

• The first stage may involve a painless sore that can be hidden (inside the mouth, under the foreskin, in the rectum) and easily missed. 

• After the early stages, syphilis can enter a latent phase with no symptoms at all, while still causing serious long‑term damage if untreated.

HIV

Modern HIV treatment means people can live long, healthy lives — especially when diagnosed early. But early HIV infection often has no symptoms or only mild, flu‑like signs that are easy to dismiss.

• Many people do not recognize early HIV symptoms or have none at all.

• Without testing, HIV can go un-diagnosed for years, increasing the risk of transmission and long‑term health complications.

Herpes (HSV‑2)

Genital herpes (usually HSV‑2) is extremely common.

• Most people with HSV‑2 infection are unaware they have it. 

• Outbreaks can be mild, mistaken for irritation or ingrown hairs, or not noticed at all. 

• Even without visible sores, herpes can still be transmitted through asymptomatic viral shedding.

Why “I Only Hook Up With People I Trust” Isn’t Enough

Another common belief is: “I don’t need testing because I only sleep with people I trust.” Trust is important in relationships — but it doesn’t replace lab work.

• Many people genuinely don’t know their STI status because they’ve never been tested, or were tested for only a few infections (for example, “just HIV”). 

• Partners may also rely on the same “no symptoms” myth. 

• STI risk is about networks, not just individuals: if your partner has other partners (now or in the recent past), their risk becomes your risk.

Regular testing is about caring for yourself and the people you’re intimate with — not about accusing anyone of lying.

What Regular STI Testing Looks Like for Men

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all schedule, but public health guidelines offer clear direction.

Heterosexual men

For sexually active men with new or multiple partners, many clinicians recommend:

At least annual testing for: 

•   Chlamydia 

•   Gonorrhea 

•   HIV 

•   Syphilis (depending on risk and local prevalence) 

More frequent testing (every 3–6 months) may be recommended if you:

- Have multiple partners 

- Have anonymous partners 

- Rarely use condoms 

- Have a history of STIs 

Men who have sex with men (MSM)

For MSM, the CDC recommends at least annual testing for:

• HIV 

• Syphilis 

• Chlamydia (urethral and rectal, depending on exposure) 

• Gonorrhea (urethral, rectal, and pharyngeal, depending on exposure) 

Testing every 3–6 months is recommended if you have multiple partners, use PrEP, or DoxPrEP or have higher‑risk exposures.

What a typical panel might include

Depending on your history and local protocols, a clinician may recommend:

• Urine test (for chlamydia/gonorrhea) 

• Swabs (throat and/or rectal, if relevant to your sexual practices) 

• Blood tests (for HIV, syphilis, sometimes hepatitis B/C, HSV‑2) 

The key is to be honest about the kinds of sex you’re having (oral, anal, vaginal) so you’re tested in all the right places.

Why Regular Testing Matters Even If You Feel Fine

1. Protecting your long‑term health. Untreated STIs can lead to:

• Chronic pelvic or testicular pain 

• Fertility issues 

• Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV 

• Serious systemic complications (e.g., neurosyphilis, cardiovascular issues with late syphilis) 

Early detection usually means easier treatment and fewer complications.

2. Protecting your partners

Regular testing is one of the most concrete ways to show care and respect for your partners.

• You can treat infections before passing them on. 

• You can have informed conversations about risk, condoms, PrEP, and boundaries. 

• You reduce the chance that a partner’s first sign of a problem is a positive test they weren’t expecting.

3. Reducing stigma and shame

When testing becomes routine — like dental cleanings or annual physicals — it stops being a moral judgment and becomes basic maintenance.

Normalizing testing helps:

• Men talk more openly about sexual health 

• Partners share results without fear 

• Communities reduce STI rates over time 

Talking to Partners About Testing

For many men, the hardest part isn’t the test — it’s the conversation.

Some ways to bring it up:

- “I get tested regularly because I’m active. When were you last tested and what did they check for?” 

- “Before we stop using condoms / before we play, I’d like us both to be up‑to‑date on our STI tests.” 

- “I use an app to track my STI results so I don’t forget dates or details — want to compare?” 

Framing testing as mutual care (“I do this for me and for you”) makes the conversation feel collaborative instead of confrontational.

Privacy, Discretion, and Tracking Your Results

One barrier for many men — especially in swinger, ENM, kink, or queer communities — is privacy.

Not everyone wants:

- Their sexual health history sitting in a visible clinic portal, or 

- Screenshots of lab results floating around in chats or DMs. 

Using a secure, encrypted app like Moanr to store and share your STI test results can:

- Help you remember when you last tested and what was included 

- Make it easy to show proof to partners without oversharing other personal details 

- Let you revoke access if a relationship changes 

Digital tools can turn testing from a one‑off, awkward event into part of your ongoing sexual health routine.

The Bottom Line: “No Symptoms” Is Not a Plan

Men’s sexual health is about more than erections, performance, or the absence of pain.

It’s about:

- Knowing your status 

- Testing regularly, not just when something feels “off” 

- Protecting your long‑term health and fertility 

- Caring for the people you’re intimate with 

- Building a culture where sexual health is normal, not shameful.

If you’re sexually active — especially with multiple partners or in non‑monogamous networks — relying on “I feel fine” is like driving without a dashboard. You might be okay…or you might be missing a warning light.

Regular STI testing puts real data behind your confidence.

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CATIE. (2022). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). https://www.catie.ca

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). HIV Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2018). Canadian guideline on sexually transmitted infections. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines.html

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2020). Report on sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions.html

Workowski, K. A., & Bachmann, L. H. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1–187.R Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1–187.