Sex Talk: How soon after unprotected sex should I be tested for STIs?

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng answers your sex questions

Q. How soon after having unprotected sex can an infection be detected? (In other words, when should one be tested?)

A. There is unfortunately no "super-test" that can screen for the more than 25 different organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

STIs are caused by a variety of organisms that fall into four main categories: bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral. Each STI requires its own unique test.

The time frame for taking an STI test also varies based on the incubation period for the infection, which can differ from person to person.

Types of tests include urine samples, blood tests, physical examination and cultures.

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Here are the average window periods during which you can screen for some common infections:

• Herpes: two days to four weeks

• Gonorrhoea: seven days

• Chlamydia: seven to 10 days

• Syphilis: 10 days to three months

• Human papilloma virus: 14 days to many years

• HIV: two weeks (for PCR test); three months (for Elisa test)

• Hepatitis B: six weeks to six months

Half of all sexually active people will get an STI by age 25 and most won't know it. Many STIs show no signs or symptoms, which is part of why screening tests are so important. Left untreated, STIs can cause significant long-term health problems.

Talk with your doctor about getting tested. Be open and honest about your sexual health history, and let them know if you or your partner have any signs or symptoms.

• Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproductive health practice, DISA Clinic, 011-886-2286, visit safersex.co.za.

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