In order to ensure conclusive STD test results, how long should I wait after having unprotected sex before getting screened?

Doctor's Answers 1

There is an incubation period from potential exposure to a STD from unprotected sex to when your body form antibodies to fight the STD.

Why there is an incubation period for STD tests:

STD tests look for the presence of these antibodies during testing, and if the STD tests are done before incubation period has ended, there may not be enough time for your body to develop enough antibodies for it to show up in testing, causing a false-negative result.

Even after you have waited for the incubation period to end, you may not see signs or symptoms of the STD. Many STDs do not display symptoms at all, or are so subtle that you could think you have a cold or a rash.

Furthermore, symptoms may come and go, but this doesn’t mean the STD has gone away. This is why it’s so important to get tested; there is simply no other way to be 100% sure of an STD diagnosis.

Incubation periods for STDs:

  • HIV
    10-11 days (RNA test)
    90 days (Antibody test)

  • Gonorrhea and chlamyadia
    5-14 days (be sure to retest after treatment to ensure eradication)

  • Syphilis
    3-6 weeks (get retested 3 months after to ensure that initial test was not false negative)

  • Hepatitis B
    6 weeks

  • Hepatitis C
    9 weeks (get retested at 3 months after to ensure that initial test was not false negative)

  • Oral or genital herpes (HSV 1 and 2)
    4-6 weeks

For more information, you can check out the Complete Guide to STD Tests in Singapore (2020) here.

Similar Questions

Do I still need to go for HIV screening if my STD screening test is non-reactive?

Dr Theng has given a wonderful answer. Oral sex is generally considered safe but there is a low risk of transmission if there are some open wounds which may not be obvious.

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Dr Winston Lee

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What is the recommended frequency for getting an STD test check up?

The recommended frequency of STD testing will vary for different individuals. If you have had your testing performed 6 months ago, and have not had ANY sexual partners since, then I would say it is not really necessary to test unless you have any symptoms of concern. However, if you have had sexual intercourse with a known partner but no NEW sexual partners as you mentioned, then your decision to test would depend on whether you have concerns about your partner's status.

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Dr Jonathan Ti

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