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ideal time frame for testing for an STD
I had unprotected sex the other night and even though my partner said I had nothing to worry about I would like to be on the safe side. When is the optimal time after a sexual encounter to test for most STDs? Is it one week, two weeks, three? Can you test positive before showing any symptoms?
For chlamydia and gonorrhea which type of test has the highest sensitivity (culture, nucleic acid amplification test like PCR, DNA probe...) and which is most commonly used?
If one tests negative should they follow up at a later time or not worry about it anymore?
Sorry for the multitude of questions!
Thanks you!
For chlamydia and gonorrhea which type of test has the highest sensitivity (culture, nucleic acid amplification test like PCR, DNA probe...) and which is most commonly used?
If one tests negative should they follow up at a later time or not worry about it anymore?
Sorry for the multitude of questions!
Thanks you!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
These are good questions. My guess is that you have little to worry about but there is no reason not to go on and get tested. There are two important variables to consider in when to get tested - which infection are we considering and how common is it. I will try to comment on both below.
You can test for the most common STDs, gonorrhea, chlamydia and NGU at any time more than 48 hours following exposure. At that time a single test using a nucleic acid amplification test will give you completely reliable results.
Syphilis is a very rare disease among North American and Western European heterosexuals (more common in persons who have same sex partners). Lesions typically appear within three weeks of exposure and a blood test would be anticipated to be positive within 3-4 weeks following exposure. To be honest, this is not something you need to worry about.
We do not recommend routine blood testing for herpes in person such as yourself (from what you describe). The chances of a false positive are higher than the chances of making a diagnosis of recently acquired infection. Nearly everyone who gets herpes develops lesions within 4-10 days following exposure.
In your case, if your are concerned about HIV, a blood test at 6 weeks and certainly by 8 weeks will be totally reliable.
We do not recommend testing or concern about HPV. The fact of the matter is that just about everyone (over 85%) who has sex gets HPV at some point. If you develop a wart, you will know it and can get treated.
If you wish to learn more about these various STDs go to a reliable web site such as that offered by the American Social Health Association (ASHA). By way of full disclosure let me acknowledge that both Dr. Handsfield and I are on the Board of Directors of ASHA. Hope this helps. EWH
You can test for the most common STDs, gonorrhea, chlamydia and NGU at any time more than 48 hours following exposure. At that time a single test using a nucleic acid amplification test will give you completely reliable results.
Syphilis is a very rare disease among North American and Western European heterosexuals (more common in persons who have same sex partners). Lesions typically appear within three weeks of exposure and a blood test would be anticipated to be positive within 3-4 weeks following exposure. To be honest, this is not something you need to worry about.
We do not recommend routine blood testing for herpes in person such as yourself (from what you describe). The chances of a false positive are higher than the chances of making a diagnosis of recently acquired infection. Nearly everyone who gets herpes develops lesions within 4-10 days following exposure.
In your case, if your are concerned about HIV, a blood test at 6 weeks and certainly by 8 weeks will be totally reliable.
We do not recommend testing or concern about HPV. The fact of the matter is that just about everyone (over 85%) who has sex gets HPV at some point. If you develop a wart, you will know it and can get treated.
If you wish to learn more about these various STDs go to a reliable web site such as that offered by the American Social Health Association (ASHA). By way of full disclosure let me acknowledge that both Dr. Handsfield and I are on the Board of Directors of ASHA. Hope this helps. EWH
Dear Dr. Hook,
Thank you very much for your answer. It was very helpful!
Thank you very much for your answer. It was very helpful!
I am a male and recieved oral from a female who seemed to be clean at the time of our incounter and a week later I started finding out some things from friends and people that know her even though it lasted about 5 mins I have been nervous ever since she says she has been tested and has nothing , this happened about a week ago and I have showed no symptoms but as I have read you might not show anything for a while we also were kissing a lot I don't really know when I should get tested but I am keeping myself up at night thinking about of I have something and if I do will I infect someone else everywhere I look has different answers
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
