The most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) rarely present symptoms or are often subtle and unnoticed. This makes it difficult for the person to be aware of what they are suffering from and prevents them from taking action.Many STDs can lead to significant problems if not diagnosed and treated in time, so performing the respective checkups and tests is essential. But how long should one wait before performing an STD diagnostic test? There are several situations to consider for performing medical tests to diagnose STDs:
Many STDs can lead to significant problems if not diagnosed and treated in time, so performing the respective checkups and tests is essential. But how long should one wait before performing an STD diagnostic test? There are several situations to consider for performing medical tests to diagnose STDs:
- If you have already started your sexual life or are about to do so, it is crucial that you go to your doctor to instruct you about the potential risks and how you can prevent them.
- If you have changed sexual partners, or if you have sex with different sexual partners.
- If you are sexually active and think you may have been exposed to an STD, go to the doctor as soon as possible.
- If you are sexually active and have never been tested for STDs, it is time to do so.
- It is unnecessary to wait for symptoms. Remember that STDs are usually asymptomatic.
- If you present abnormal symptoms and signs in your body, specifically in the genital area, such as
- Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
- Foul vaginal odor or abnormal odor.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Itching and irritation of the genitals and perianal area.
- Sores or warts in the genital area and perianal region.
- Unusual uterine bleeding.
- Increased frequency of urination, pain, and burning with urination.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Fever
So, if you identify with any of the above situations, you should not wait any longer to get tested for STDs. However, when we talk about the most common STDs, we find another perspective:
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – For this virus, the average incubation period begins at the moment of sexual contact and can range from 2 to 3 months.
Chlamydia – It is primarily asymptomatic, or its symptoms go unnoticed. But, when they occur, they usually begin between 1 and 3 weeks after sexual intercourse.
Gonorrhea – Although it goes unnoticed in 80% of women, its first symptoms appear within 5 days to 2 weeks after sexual contact.
Syphilis – The bacterium that causes this disease penetrates and multiplies at the infection site (typically genitals or perianal area) and 12 hours later invades the blood and spread. In addition, a painless ulcer, a syphilitic chancre that appears 2 to 3 weeks after sexual intercourse, characterized the first phase of this ETS.
Trichomoniasis – The parasite that causes this STD has an incubation period ranging from 4 to 28 days, after which symptoms begin.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)- In the virus’s case that causes genital herpes, symptoms may appear between 2 to 20 days after infection.
Don’t wait to get tested for STDs. It’s never too early to diagnose and treat the disease.
