How long does it take...?!
Question:
How long does it take...?
for STDs or an STD to show up after unprotected sex. I know HIV can take months to detect, but what about other STDs. Also, which ones are treatable and are there any other permanent ones besides warts, herpes and aids?
Answers:
Hope this helps
Chlamydia (curable) - many people have no symptoms, those that do occur from 2-6 weeks after exposure. Testing times depend on type of test used (culture, NAAT) NAAT testing can be done anytime after exposure, cultures usually need at least 48 hours after exposure
Gonorrhea (curable) - women most often don't have symptoms, most men do experience symptoms. 48 hours at least is needed before testing
Syphilis (curable) - consists of 4 stages. primary syphilis symptoms can occur 3 days - 3months post exposure for the painless chancre to develop, secondary syhpilis can occur 2-24 weeks post exposure. Syphilis testing can be complicates and should be done by someone experienced in syhphilis diagnosis and management
Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex 2, and sometimes 1) (no cure, though one can go on suppresion therapy to reduce outbreaks) Not everyone gets symptoms, those that do usually emerge 2-21 days after initial infection (usually after 6 days)
Hepatitis B (90% will get rid of the virus naturally, the rest develop chronic Hep B) In up to 50% of people there are no outward signs of infection. Up to 8 weeks after exposure to the virus, some people will begin to experience symptoms
HIV (not curable) 75% of people will test positive after 20 days, 95% will test positive by 8 weeks, and 99% by 12-13 weeks. Most people don't experience any symptoms until having HIV for many years, sometimes as much as 10 years (or longer). The only way to know is to get tested.
HPV (most HPV infections clear naturally within 2 years) Many who are infected with low risk types have no symptoms (do not develop warts or lesions). In some people, anogenital (genitals and rectum) warts develop 1-8months post exposure on the vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, or urethra. HPV (regardless of type) are SLOW moving viruses. It can take years for long term complications to arise.