When Should I Test?
Having sex without a condom can make you worry. One of the most common worries is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It can feel like a good idea to test straight away. But testing too early can be a problem.
Every STI has a window period. That's the time between getting it and being able to test for it. If you take a test in this window, you might get a false negative. That's because there aren't enough germs for the test to pick up yet. It doesn't mean you don't have an STI.
Every STI has a window period. That's the time between getting it and being able to test for it. If you take a test in this window, you might get a false negative. That's because there aren't enough germs for the test to pick up yet. It doesn't mean you don't have an STI.
'When Should I Test For…?'
Each germ breeds at a different speed. This means that each STI has a different window period. The most common are:
If you don't know when to test, get in touch. Our team will be happy to help you figure it out.
- Chlamydia - 14 days (two weeks)
- Gonorrhoea - 14 days (two weeks)
- HIV (Lab Test) - 45 days
- HIV (Rapid / Self Test) - 90 days
- Syphilis - 90 days
If you don't know when to test, get in touch. Our team will be happy to help you figure it out.
'Can I test in the window period?'
We suggest that you don't test until after the window period. This is to avoid a false negative. Such a result could lead to you passing on an STI without meaning to.
You might find it hard to avoid sex for the whole window period. If you do have sex during this time, you should use a condom. You should use one regardless of any test results. This will lower the risk of spreading STIs.
If you test negative during a window period, we suggest you test again. You should take a second test after the window period. If you often have unprotected sex, you may want to test every three months.
You can order an at home test online.
You might find it hard to avoid sex for the whole window period. If you do have sex during this time, you should use a condom. You should use one regardless of any test results. This will lower the risk of spreading STIs.
If you test negative during a window period, we suggest you test again. You should take a second test after the window period. If you often have unprotected sex, you may want to test every three months.
You can order an at home test online.