If you have had unprotected sex, it is important to know when you can get tested for an STD. This is not always possible right away, as time is needed before an infection can be reliably detected. This article will tell you when it is best to get tested, depending on the STD and the circumstances.

When is an STD test reliable?

Most STDs have a certain "window period." This is the period of time between when you become infected and when the infection is measurable in your body. If you test too early, the result may be negative even though you are infected. Therefore, it is important to know how long you should wait before getting tested.

According to GGD Amsterdam guidelines, there should be at least one week between the time of unsafe sex and the STD test for most infections. If you get a result that is negative after one week, you may need to retest later, especially if you develop symptoms. Onedayclinic holds 14 days, if you have symptoms you can sometimes be tested earlier.

How long should you wait per STD?

Each STD has a slightly different waiting time before you can test reliably. Below are the most common STDs and the time required for a reliable test.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

• Waiting time: Onedayclinic maintains 14 days for complaints sometimes earlier by agreement.
• Voor zowel chlamydia als gonorroe kun je je na 14 dagen laten testen. De meeste tests kunnen dan de bacterie betrouwbaar opsporen.

Syphilis

• Waiting time: 6- 12 weeks. We still recommend if you test negative that you get retested after 3 months.
• Voor syfilis duurt het wat langer voordat de infectie zichtbaar wordt in een test. Je kunt je meestal na 6 weken laten testen, maar om volledig zeker te zijn, wordt soms aangeraden om na 12 weken nog een keer te testen.

HIV

• Waiting time: 3 to 12 weeks.
• Het hangt ervan af wat voor HIV test je doet. Een HIV-1 RNA test heeft vanaf 14 dagen een betrouwbaarheid van 96%-100%
• An HIV test combo test can give an initial indication after 4 weeks and has . A negative result after 12 weeks is considered completely reliable. This is because it can take some time for the body to produce antibodies against HIV that can be detected by the test.

Hepatitis B

• Waiting time: 6 weeks.
• For hepatitis B, it is best to wait 6 weeks before getting tested. As with HIV, it takes some time for the body to produce enough antibodies.

Herpes and Genital Warts

• No specific waiting period: Testing for herpes or genital warts is often done only if there are symptoms, such as blisters or warts. There is no specific waiting period because these STDs are usually diagnosed by visual inspection as soon as symptoms are visible.

Why is waiting important?

It can be difficult to wait to get tested, especially if you are worried about a possible STD. Still, it is important to allow enough time. If you test too early, the infection may not be reliably detected. As a result, you may mistakenly think you don't have an STD, when in fact you are infected. Therefore, it is better to wait a few days to weeks, depending on the STD.

What to do if you have complaints?

If you have symptoms such as discharge, itching or pain when urinating, it is wise to see your doctor or an STD clinic such as OneDayClinic as soon as possible. Even if you are still within the "window period," the doctor can help you with advice, a test that can be taken earlier after which, if necessary, treatment.

Have you had unprotected sex and don't want to wait? However, you can make an appointment or consult with a doctor beforehand. Sometimes a doctor may advise you to take an initial test and come back later for a second test.