Contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STD) can be a frightening thought, so it is expected that many people will want to know ‘how quickly can you test for STDs?’ While you should always get tested at least annually if you are sexually active, there are certain factors you should consider to get the best results from lab tests.
One of the factors to consider is the time frame since the potential transmission. Each sexually transmitted disease has its own period after transmission, but before the onset of symptoms, called “incubation.” According to the North Dakota Department of Healthan incubation period is:
“The time that elapses between exposure to a bacteria or virus and the time when symptoms and signs first become visible.”
Most STD tests look for specific antigens or antibodies that are characteristic of each disease. During the incubation period, our immune system has not had enough time to respond to the bacteria/virus, or the bacteria/virus has not multiplied enough to become noticeable. If tests are performed at this stage, the laboratory technician has little evidence on which to base his results. This can often lead to what is known as a “false negative” when the test is negative but in reality it should have been a positive result.
Different STDs and STDs have different incubation periods, ranging from 3 days to 3 months. Below is a list of common sexually transmitted infections and how long we recommend waiting before getting tested.
- Chlamydia testing works best at least 5 to dawn after shipment.
- Gonorrhea testing is more accurate afterward 4 days.
- Herpes can be detected accurately 10 days after exposure. However, Priority STD offers early detection testing called a herpes IgG and IgM combination test for the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms may begin two to 20 days after exposure, and testing can be done as soon as possible after symptoms develop. If the virus goes unnoticed for a few months, the standard herpes test is recommended because it is more accurate.
- HIV takes about 3 months to complete the incubation period for a standard HIV antibody test. After that, there are enough antibodies to base a conclusive test. However, an HIV RNA early detection test can be taken 10 days after contact.
- Syphilis is strange when it comes to the incubation period. The waiting period for this infection can vary from 10 to 90 days on a case-by-case basis. The key to rapid testing for syphilis is to pay attention to the tell-tale symptoms and get tested if you may have had contact with the STD. Common symptoms of primary (early) syphilis include pimples, rashes, and sores on or in the genitals or your mouth (often but not always small, round, and painless).
- Trichomoniasissyphilis, similar to syphilis, has a wide incubation range of 5 to 28 days. As always, if you are showing symptoms or think you have had sexual contact with someone who may be a carrier of this parasite-causing STD, get tested as soon as possible.
If you have any doubts about your sexual health, it is always wise to get tested. By keeping these incubation periods in mind, you should be able to make informed decisions about when to get tested and for what disease/infection. This not only prevents you from having to get tested again, but also prevents an STD from going without treatment. Admittedly, the thought of an STD is understandably alarming. However, it is in your best interest to get tested at the right time and get the most reliable results.
Here at Priority STD we want to ensure that our patients do not feel any pressure when getting tested. After you sign up for testing, we offer you over 90 days to visit one of our testing centers during business hours. If you believe testing is necessary, you can wait in this window until the estimated incubation period has passed or until potential symptoms have developed.