When should I test for STIs?
STIs don't show in a test straight away. There's a period of time between getting the infection and when it will show up in a test.
So you need to wait a few weeks after sexual contact before a test will be accurate. This time is called the window period. And window periods are different for different infections.
We recommend waiting for the end of the window period before taking your samples and sending them to us. If a test is done inside the window period, it can be too soon to spot an infection that's in the early stages and not yet visible in tests.
How long does it take for STIs to show in tests?
These are the window periods for the at-home tests we use.
Chlamydia: 2 weeks
Gonorrhoea: 2 weeks
HIV: 7 weeks
Hepatitis B: 12 weeks
Hepatitis C: 12 weeks
Syphilis: 12 weeks
Hepatitis C can sometimes take up to 9 months to show in a test, so if you're not sure when you might have been exposed, do a test now, and another test in 9 months.
If you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours (3 days), you should find out if you can take PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) to reduce your risk.
Do you need help with something else?
Find sexual health services near you
