When should you get tested for STIs?
Have you had unsafe sex, do you doubt whether you may have caught an STI and do not know what to do? In this blog we explain when you should take an STI test and how long you have to wait before you can get an STI test.
Always test for STIs after unsafe sex
If you've had unsafe sex, there's a chance you've caught an STI. You can get STIs in different ways. You can be infected with an STI through oral sex, but also through vaginal or anal penetration. If there has only been a 'rub' contract, there is also a chance of an STI. An STI can have serious consequences if it is not detected and treated in time. Moreover, you can infect others if you carry one with you. So it's important to get tested regularly if you ever have unsafe sex.
Window phase of an STI: how long do you have to wait until you can test for an STI?
When the test can be done depends on the so-called window phase. The window phase is the time between the moment of infection (i.e., the moment of contact) and the moment when you can demonstrate infection through an STI test. Within this period, you may already have symptoms, but it is still too early to test. If you test too early then you may miss an STI and mistakenly think you are clean. During this window phase, however, you are already infectious to others.
Different window phases for STIs
The window phase is different for each sexually transmitted disease. Below is an overview of that.
| STD Urine or vaginal swab: | Windows phase |
| Chlamydia | 14 days |
| Gonorrhea | 14 days |
| Trichomonas | 21 days |
| Blood test: | |
| Syphilis | 10-90 days |
| HIV | 30-90 days |
| Hepatitis B/C | 90 days |
Complaints that indicate an STI? Get tested!
If you have symptoms, an STI test is always recommended. But, remember: you can also have an STI without having symptoms. Therefore, an STI test after unsafe sex is recommended anyway. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most common STIs in the Netherlands. Although the chance of getting another STI like HIV or hepatitis B/C and syphilis is smaller, it is always important to rule out these STIs as well. The regular tests you have the
results after
1-3 working days and with a rapid test you have the result after 90 minutes.
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OneDayClinic
Starting at €225
STI rapid test, results after 90 minutes
Choose from:
- chlamydia + gonorrhea (choice of: vagina/urine/throat/anus)
- HIV RNA (early HIV test, from 14 days after sex)
- trichomonas (choice of: vagina/urine)
Always includes consultation with a doctor or nurse
Amsterdam South, Amsterdam Center, Utrecht, Eindhoven, The Hague, Rotterdam
Starting at $115
STD test, results after 1-3 business days
Choose from:
- chlamydia + gonorrhea (choice of: vagina/urine/throat/anus)
- HIV + syphilis + hepatitis B&C
- mycoplasma/
trichomonas
Always includes consultation with a doctor or nurse
Amsterdam South, Amsterdam Center, Utrecht, Nijmegen, Eindhoven, The Hague, Rotterdam
