The timing for getting tested for STDs after possible exposure varies depending on the specific STD. Generally:
- For chlamydia and gonorrhea, you can get tested reliably after about 14 days (2 weeks) from exposure.
- For HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, testing is more accurate after about 28 days (4 weeks).
- Some early detection tests for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis can be accurate after about 10 days.
- Herpes symptoms and testing can occur from around 4 days after exposure if symptoms are visible.
- It is recommended to do initial testing around 3 weeks after exposure and confirmatory testing at 3 months for conclusive results.
Testing too early might give false negatives because the infection may not be detectable yet. If there are symptoms, testing can be done sooner with some types of STDs. Pretreatment or preventive medication may also be available shortly after exposure in high-risk cases. In summary, most reliable STD testing can start from about 2 weeks post-exposure, with more comprehensive and conclusive testing at 3 weeks and again at 3 months if needed.
