Timing matters when it comes to testing.
For symptoms and some STDs, immediate testing is required. Others require time. If you have recently had unprotected sex, tests might not be able to detect whether or not you are positive for STDs. Use the chart below to help learn how and when to get tested for specific STDs. This chart was last updated September 27, 2012.
| STD | When To Get Tested | Test/Sample Type | How Long Wait for Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Most results accurate after 2 weeks | Urine test or swab from cervix, vagina, urethra, rectum, or throat | 2 to 10 days |
| Crabs (Pubic Lice) | Immediately | Visual examination for lice and nits | Instantly |
| Gonorrhea | Most results accurate after 2 weeks | Urine test or swab from cervix, vagina, urethra, rectum, or throat | 2 to 10 days |
| Hepatitis B | Most results accurate after 4 weeks | Blood test | (?) |
| Hepatitis C | Most results accurate after 10 weeks | Blood test | (?) |
| Herpes | Must have symptoms: Within 48 hours of outbreak, or 12 days after initial infection Most accurate 4 months after you were infected |
Swab from sores Blood test |
7-10 days (?) |
| HIV | 95% of tests accurate within 6 weeks, but 3 months if you want to be sure 6 months |
Newer blood test; saliva test Older blood test; saliva test |
(?) |
| HPV (warts) | Must have symptoms | Visual examination | Instantly |
| HPV (cervical cancer) | (?) | Pap smear | (?) |
| Molluscum contagious | Must have symptoms | Visual exam | N/A |
| Scabies | Must have symptoms | Visual exam, and sometimes looks for the parasites under a microscope | (?) |
| Syphilis | Most results accurate after 6 weeks, but can be as long as 3 months | Swab from sores; blood test | (?) |
| Trichomoniasis | Immediately | Sample vaginal discharge for women; urethral swab, urine, or semen for men | (?) |