STD Symptoms: How Long To Manifest And When To Test

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeHow long does it take for STD symptoms to show?

Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 17, 2024

Incubation period
How soon
Different STIs
Dormant STIs
Importance
FAQs
Summary

STDs, or STIs, usually pass from person to person through sexual contact. In most cases, a person can get an STI test within a few weeks of exposure at a health clinic or a doctor’s office.

Each STI has its own incubation period, which is how long it takes for symptoms to appear. In some cases, it can take months for an STI to show up on tests. In other cases, it may only take days.

This article explores the incubation periods of different STIs, how soon people can get tested, and the importance of testing.

STI incubation period

Close-up Of Woman Doing Finger-prink Blood Test At Home for an STD after symptoms — Oscar Wong/Gety Images

The incubation period is how long it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure. The window period is how long it takes to get a positive test result for the infection after exposure. These periods are often similar.

Some general symptoms that indicate a person might have an STI include:

genital itching or burning
pain during intercourse or urination
a new or unusual discharge
bumps or growths on or around the genitals
a foul smell coming from the genitals or after sex

However, some STIs do not cause symptoms for many years, even though a person can still get a positive test result. This is why it is important to rely on testing, not just symptoms.

How soon can a person get tested?

In most cases, a person can get an STI test within a few weeks of exposure. If a person has a curable STI, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, they may need a retest after treatment.

People at high risk of certain STIs should ask for a retest, even after a negative result. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual HIV testing for people at risk, such as those whose partners have HIV or people who share needles.

Additionally, it may also be advisable for pregnant people to test and retest for certain STIs. Individuals who have multiple or anonymous partners, or engage in more risky behaviors should also consider more regular STI testing.

STI testing table

The testing window for common STIs is as follows:

Type of STI	Pathogen type	Testing window	Type of test	When to retest after treatment
HIV	virus	10–33 days for a nucleic acid test. 18–45 days for an antigen/antibody test.23–90 days for an antibody test	Blood or saliva test. Blood nucleic acid test gives earliest results	None
Chlamydia	bacteria	1–2 weeks	Blood or urine sample, or swab of the throat, rectum, cervix, or vagina	3 months
Trichomonas	protozoa (parasite)	1 week to 1 month	Swab of rectum, penis, or vagina	2 weeks
Syphilis	bacteria	Within 3 weeks after sores appear. Sores appear usually 1 week after exposure	Blood test	6 and 12 months
Gonorrhea	bacteria	5 days to 2 weeks	Blood or urine test. Swab of the anus, urethra, cervix, or throat	Test 2 weeks after treatment, or 2 weeks later after exposure if the first test is negative
Herpes	virus	1–4 months	Blood test or swab of a sore	None
HPV	virus	3 weeks to a few months	Pap smear in females only — no approved test for males	None
Hepatitis	virus	3–6 weeks for hepatitis B. 2–6 weeks for hepatitis C	Blood test	Retest 6 months later

HIV

A nucleic acid test analyzes a blood sample for HIV. It can indicate a positive result 10–33 days after exposure. The antigen/antibody test, also a blood test, looks for HIV antibodies. It also looks for an antigen that the body produces before antibodies appear. It can get results 18–45 days after exposure.

The antibody test uses a blood or saliva sample to look for HIV antibodies. It takes the longest to get a reliable result, at 23–90 days after exposure. A person can be confident they do not have HIV if they get a negative test during the window period and have no subsequent contact with someone who could have the virus.

Read on to learn more about HIV RNA tests.

Chlamydia

A doctor can test for chlamydia by swabbing the vagina, cervix, rectum, or throat, or by taking a urine sample. If symptoms appear, they usually present within 7–21 days of exposure. A test can normally detect chlamydia within 1–2 weeks of exposure.

Gonorrhea

A doctor can test for gonorrhea with a urine sample. In some cases, they may also swab the urethra, anus, throat, or cervix to get a more reliable result.

Most tests can detect the infection within 5 days to 2 weeks of exposure. If a test is negative shortly after exposure, a doctor may recommend retesting 2 weeks later, particularly if a person has symptoms.

Gonorrhea symptoms usually appear from 1 day to 2 weeks after exposure.

Herpes

Herpes symptoms usually appear quickly. On average, they present 4 days after exposure, and the typical range is 2–12 days. In some cases, however, symptoms can be so mild that a person does not notice them.

A healthcare provider may take a sample or swab from a herpes sore. A blood test can also confirm a herpes diagnosis if a person has no sores or blisters. The test may be positive within a month, and by 4 months, blood testing finds most cases.

HPV

While it is possible for males to pass human papillomavirus (HPV) on to a partner, the CDC have not approved a male test. Instead, doctors may test for symptoms of the relatively rare cancers that HPV can cause, including penile cancer.

In females, HPV rarely causes symptoms. If there are indications, they could appear months or years later. The most reliable test is a Pap smear, which involves swabbing the cervix. This can detect HPV 3 weeks to a few months after exposure.

Hepatitis

In some cases, hepatitis B and C may not cause any obvious symptoms for years. If they do appear, hepatitis B usually produces signs within 6 weeks to 6 months. Hepatitis C symptoms may appear as early as 2–6 weeks, but can sometimes take as long as 6 months.

A blood test can look for both types of hepatitis. The hepatitis B testing window is 3–6 weeks, while the hepatitis C testing window is 2–6 months. Early testing at 2 months may miss some cases, so a doctor may recommend retesting at 6 months.

Trichomoniasis

A doctor can test for trichomoniasis with a swab of the rectum, penis, or vagina. Many people do not have symptoms, but some may notice a discharge or burning sensation within 5–28 days of exposure. It is possible to get a positive test within a week of exposure, though some people need to wait up to a month.

Syphilis

Syphilis usually begins with a sore on the genitals called a chancre. Blood tests can detect the bacteria within 1–2 weeks after the chancre appears. Chancres are typically painless and usually develop within 3 weeks of exposure, so the total testing window is about 4 weeks.

Because the development of syphilis varies from person to person, doctors often recommend retesting about 3 months after exposure.

Dormant STIs

Some STIs live in the body for many years without triggering any symptoms. Doctors may refer to them as dormant, meaning a person can never diagnose themselves based on symptoms alone.

This also means if a person is untested, they can unknowingly pass a dormant STI on to a sexual partner.

Examples of STI that can lay dormant include HIV, herpes, hepatitis C, chlamydia, syphilis, and HPV

The CDC recommend that all sexually-active adults with new or multiple partners seek testing for most STIs at least once per year.

Why is it important to get tested?

STI testing, even for incurable infections, can save lives. It also slows the spread of STIs. Some benefits of testing are below:

Some STIs are easier to treat if a doctor catches them early.
Early STI testing can prevent a person from spreading an infection to their partners.
A person can have an STI without knowing it.
Some untreated STIs can cause serious health issues, such as cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Frequently asked questions

Some FAQs about STI’s may include:

What are 5 common symptoms of an STI?

Symptoms of an STI will vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common STI symptoms may include unusual genital discharge, rashes, itchy genitals, growths or warts around the genitals or anus, and pain when urinating.

Can STIs be cured?

Many STIs are curable if a person receives prompt treatment. At present, viral STIs such as HIV, HPV, herpes, and hepatitis B are incurable. However, a person can manage symptoms with medications and there is a vaccine available against hepatitis B.

What if I think I have an STI and I’m scared?

It can be distressing if a person thinks they may have an STI. However, if a person suspects an STI, it is advisable to seek medical assistance. STIs are unlikely to resolve on their own, and ignoring symptoms can put both a person and their sexual encounters at considerable health risk and lead to long-term problems.

How do I know if I’ve got an STI?

Symptoms such as genital pain, unusual bleeding or discharge, and skin changes around the genitals may indicate an STI. However, not everyone with an STI has symptoms. If a person has symptoms, or has recently had unprotected sex with a new partner, it is advisable to take an STI test.

Summary

The right STI testing depends on many factors, including a person’s medical history, sexual history, risk of exposure, and prior history of STI tests.

It is important for people to regularly test for STIs, particularly if they have sex with multiple partners.

Early detection can make treatment easier and possibly prevent serious health issues. To reduce the risk of STIs, people should also practice safer sex techniques, such as using a condom.

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

CDC fact sheets. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/fact_sheets.htm
Genital herpes screening overview. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm
HIV testing overview. (2023).https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/hiv-testing-overview/
How long should I wait after unprotected sex to get tested for STDs? (2020).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/how-long-should-i-wait-after-unprotected-sex-to-get-tested-for-stds
How soon do STI symptoms appear? (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/how-soon-do-sti-symptoms-appear/
Should I get tested for HIV? (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/getting-tested.html
STI screening timetable [Fact sheet]. (n.d.).https://health.uoregon.edu/files/STI_screening_timetable.pdf
Time periods of interest [Fact sheet]. (2018).http://www.ndhealth.gov/hiv/Docs/CTR/TimePeriodsReference_HIVSTDsHep.pdf
Which STD tests should I get? (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
Who should get tested? (2023).https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/who-should-get-tested

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 17, 2024

Latest news

Restless leg syndrome may increase Parkinson's disease risk, study finds
Type 2 diabetes latest research: How to use diet for prevention
Daily multivitamins may help reduce hypertension risk as we age
2 servings of peanuts daily may help boost brain health
ACS cervical cancer screening guidelines updates: What to know

Related Coverage

Where to get tested for STDs: What are the options?Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN
Where can people get an STD test? Read on to learn more about STD tests, such as their importance, where to get them, cost, and if insurance covers…
READ MORE
Do genital warts go away on their own?Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. They can last months or even years. Learn more about how treatment can speed up recovery.
READ MORE
Trichomoniasis test and diagnosis: What to knowMedically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
A range of trichomoniasis tests are available, including at-home options. Learn about the different types of trichomoniasis tests, how they work, and…
READ MORE
Can lesbians and bisexual females get STIs?Medically reviewed by E. Mimi Arquilla, DO
Can lesbians acquire STIs and which ones can they transmit? Read on to learn more about lesbians and STIs, including how to prevent them.
READ MORE
Can people acquire STIs from mosquito bites?Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
Is it possible for people to acquire STIs from a mosquito bite? Read on to learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, and whether that include STIs.
READ MORE

Tag » How Long For Std Results

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us