How soon after unprotected sex will an STD show up on a test?

Curious about the timeline for detecting STIs after unprotected sex? Unfortunately, the answer might not be as straightforward as you think.

It actually depends on which STI you may have come into contact with. For example, it can take three months for HIV to show up on a test, but it only takes a few days for sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis to show up.

An STI starts when a pathogen (a virus, bacteria or other types of microbes) enters your body either vaginally, orally or anally. As soon as any of these pathogens enter the body, they start reproducing. Only once they have reproduced a certain amount do they show up on a test or cause your body to have any sort of reaction (symptoms.)

Symptoms and test results do not necessarily go hand-in-hand, either. You can test positive without experiencing symptoms yet (or at all if you're asymptomatic).

In general, here is when you can test for an STI after unprotected sex:

Chlamydia

Positive results can occur anywhere between 24 Hours – 5 Days.

Symptoms of Chlamydia appear 1-2 weeks for symptomatic patients.

Common Chlamydia Symptoms

• Unusual Discharge: Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Painful Urination: Discomfort or a burning sensation during urination.
• Pelvic Pain: Women may experience pain in the lower abdomen, and men may have pain or swelling in the testicles.
• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
• Rectal Symptoms: If the infection occurs in the rectum through anal sex, symptoms may include rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding.
• Eye Infection: In some cases, chlamydia can cause conjunctivitis (eye infection) if the eyes come into contact with infected genital fluids.

Gonorrhea

Positive results can occur anywhere between 2 – 6 Days

Symptoms of Gonorrhea appear in about 2 weeks for symptomatic patients.

Common Gonorrhea symptoms

• Unusual Discharge: Thick, greenish or yellowish discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Painful Urination: Discomfort or a burning sensation during urination.
• Pelvic Pain: Women may experience pain in the lower abdomen, and men may have pain or swelling in the testicles.
• Painful Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.

Trichomoniasis

Positive results can occur anywhere between 3 – 7 Days

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis appear within 2-4 weeks for symptomatic patients.

Common Trichomoniasis symptoms

• Itching or Irritation: Itching or discomfort in the genital area.
• Unusual Discharge: Frothy, greenish or yellowish, and possibly with a foul odor.
• Painful Urination: Discomfort or a burning sensation during urination.

Syphilis

Positive results can occur anywhere between 3 – 6 Weeks

Symptoms of Syphilis appear after 2-3 weeks for symptomatic patients.

Common Syphilis symptoms

• Painless Sores: Small, painless sores or ulcers at the site of infection.
• Rash: A rash that may appear on the trunk, palms, or soles of the feet.
• Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, and muscle aches.

In the absence of treatment, syphilis can progress to more severe stages affecting organs such as the heart and brain.

HIV

Positive results using an RNA test can occur anywhere between 9 – 11 Days. To detect HIV on antibody test, it will take 1 – 3 Months.

Symptoms of HIV appear in 2-6 weeks for symptomatic patients.

Common HIV symptoms

• Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, chills, and body aches shortly after infection.
• Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and weakness.
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of lymph nodes, especially in the neck and groin.
• Frequent Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system.

MGen

Due to its recent classification as an STI, recommended symptomatic periods are still being researched. The CDC currently does not recommend partner treatment or repeat testing.

Common MGen symptoms

• Discharge: Foul-smelling vaginal or penile fluid.
• Painful Urination: Burning and irritation.

If left untreated, MGen can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and increase your risk of an ectopic pregnancy. For people who are already pregnant, MGen may be associated with preterm delivery or pregnancy loss.

It is important to keep in mind that you may get a false negative if you test too early. Depending on the STI and how soon you tested, we may recommend you come back for a second test to verify your initial results.

You Could be Asymptomatic 

Don't wait for symptoms to appear before getting tested, as many STIs appear asymptomatically in patients. If you've knowingly been exposed to a particular STI, get tested (following the recommended period for positive results).It's imperative to get regular STI screenings anyway, especially when you have had a new sexual partner.

Keep in mind that no matter which type of birth control you use, a condom is the ONLY thing that can protect you from an STI.

Have questions or need to make an appointment? If you're in the California area, book an appointment at FPA.