How Long After Unprotected Sex Can You Get Tested?

It depends. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by a variety of organisms that fall into four main categories: bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral. Contrary to popular belief, there is not one“super” test that can screen for the over 25 different organisms that cause STIs. Each STI requires its own unique test, and each test has a specific time frame before results can be accurately determined.

So, how long after exposure can you be tested for some of the most common STIs?

Chlamydia ............ 7-10 days
Gonorrhea ............. 7 days
Hepatitis B............ 45 days - 6 months
Herpes................... 2-90 days
HPV ....................... 14 days - years
HIV ........................ 3 weeks - 3 months
Syphilis ................. 10 days - 3 months

If you’re sexually active, getting tested is important considering 1 in 2sexually active people will get an STI by age 25 and most won’t know it. How could someone not know? ManySTIs show no signs or symptoms, which is why getting tested regularly(after unprotected sex or other risky behaviors) is a smart idea. If left untreated, STIs can cause significant long-term health problems.

Talk with your doctor about getting tested. Be open and honest about your sexual health history, and let them know if you or your partner(s)have any signs or symptoms, including painful urination, bumps, sores, and/or unusual discharge. From there, your doctor will be able to narrow down which test(s) to perform. Types of tests include: urine samples, blood tests, physical exams, and cultures.

Campus Health offers confidential STI and HIV testing and treatment all year round. Thousands of UA students come to Campus Health to get tested. To make an appointment, call 520-621-9202. If you have questions about testing or your sexual health, call 520-621-4967 to speak with a health educator. Remember, everyone has an STI status, the only way to be 100%sure about yours is to get tested.