All sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) start as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Knowing the incubation period for the most common infections can help you determine when to get tested after exposure.
When you first contract an STI, your body needs time to recognize and produce antibodies to the infection. This is known as the incubation period.
For some STIs, the body begins to produce antibodies and symptoms in as little as a few days. For others, it can take weeks or months for antibodies to develop.
If you test too soon, you may receive a “false negative” result for an incubating infection.
It’s important to understand that symptoms aren’t necessarily a reliable marker of infection. Some STIs can take months or years to produce symptoms, if at all. If symptoms occur, the condition is considered an STD.
After the incubation period has passed, most STIs can be diagnosed via antibody-specific blood tests. Swab and urine tests are also common.
| STI | Incubation period | Initial test | Retest |
|---|---|---|---|
| chlamydia | 7 to 21 days | 3 weeks | 3 months |
| gonorrhea | 1 to 14 days | 2 weeks | 3 months |
| hepatitis B | 60 to 150 days | 2 months | 6 months |
| hepatitis C | 15 to 50 days | 2 months | 6 months |
| herpes | 2 to 7 days | if lesions appear | – |
| HIV | 10 to 90 days | 1 month | 3 months |
| HPV | 14 to 240 days | every 3 to 5 years | – |
| syphilis | 10 to 90 days | 1 month | 3 months |
| trichomoniasis | 5 to 28 days | 1 to 4 weeks | 3 months |
Doctors often recommend retesting to confirm that treatment for a bacterial or parasitic STI was successful.
With the exception of HPV — which often resolves on its own within 2 years — viral STIs are lifelong. That means a blood test will always detect the infection, even after treatment, to manage symptoms or prevent transmission.
Doctors only recommend retesting for a viral STI to confirm the original diagnosis.
Many STIs present without symptoms (asymptomatic). In some cases, an STI may not show symptoms because it’s latent, or lying dormant in your body.
| STI | Presentation | Symptom onset |
|---|---|---|
| chlamydia | usually asymptomatic | 1 to 3 weeks |
| gonorrhea | usually asymptomatic | 2 to 5 days |
| hepatitis B | usually asymptomatic | 1 to 4 months |
| hepatitis C | usually asymptomatic | 1 to 3 months |
| herpes | cold sores, genital or anal lesions | 2 to 20 days |
| HIV | fever, sore throat, or rash | 2 to 6 weeks |
| HPV | genital or anal warts | 1 to 3 months |
| syphilis | oral, genital, or anal sores | 1 to 3 months |
| trichomoniasis | “fishy” discharge or itching | 1 to 4 weeks |
The best way to ensure that dormant STIs receive the proper diagnosis and treatment is regular STI screening.
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If you think you may have contracted an STI or are developing unusual symptoms, it’s important to avoid activities that could spread infection to a sexual partner.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to stop the spread and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Knowing the incubation period of the most common infections can help you determine when to seek medical help.