Which STIs should I be tested for?

There is no standard battery of tests that is considered the “full panel” for STIs, so this is something that will need to be discussed with your provider. Your test recommendations will depend on the types of sex you have and other risk factors.

How long does it take for STIs to show up on a test?

• The incubation period for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas is usually considered to be 2 weeks. For some individuals, they may develop symptoms within the first two weeks, but for many it can take months to develop symptoms. However, those who may take longer to develop symptoms would still test positive 2 weeks after being exposed.

• For oral or genital herpes, symptoms on average appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. These symptoms may include painful bumps on the mouth or genitals that have an appearance similar to a pimple. You may also have a fever, body aches, chills, or pain with urination. It is important to see your provider if you have these symptoms as the most accurate test for herpes is a swab of the area while lesions are present. If you are tested for herpes when no lesions are present then the test available is a blood test. However, it can take 3-6 weeks for herpes to show on a blood test after initial exposure and won’t necessarily be able to confirm the symptoms you experienced were a herpes outbreak.

• Syphilis is detectable on a blood test 2 to 8 weeks after exposure, though symptoms of primary syphilis may occur before the blood test is accurate. The first symptom of syphilis is typically an open lesion inside the mouth, on the genitals, around the anus, or inside the rectum called a chancre. Because it is typically painless, not everyone notices it or seeks medical attention. The chancre usually heals on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, even if no treatment for syphilis was provided. 

• Hepatitis is most often diagnosed with no symptoms present and it can take 2 weeks to 6 months to appear on a blood test. 

• Depending on the type of test used, HIV can take 3 weeks to 3 months to appear on a test. The most accurate tests are done through a blood draw and can be detected earlier, whereas a rapid test can take 4 weeks to 3 months to be accurate. 

• It should be noted that genital warts and molluscum contagiosum are two common genital lesions which do not have tests. They are diagnosed based on examination and they can take several months after exposure to appear.

What are the treatments for STIs?

Each STI requires a different treatment type. It is important to notify your provider if you have been exposed to an STI even if you don’t have any symptoms. The earlier you are treated, the less likelihood of long term effects from the infection.