Sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STD/STIs) are common conditions that spread
through sexual contact. Understanding their symptoms, and when they might appear, is crucial
for early detection and timely treatment. Many people have questions about the timeframe
between STD exposure and the onset of symptoms. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the timeline
that can be generally expected for various common STDs.
At Precision Health, we offer comprehensive STD testing to all individuals in the Denver,
Colorado area. You can count on our medical team for many same-day and next-day in-house
lab tests seven days a week. Continue reading to learn more about STD symptoms, and order
your test online today!
How Long Does it Take STD Symptoms to Appear?
Some STDs develop symptoms shortly after infection, while others may take weeks, months, or
even years to show any noticeable signs. More so, some individuals may never display
symptoms at all, and can still spread the infection to others. That makes regular testing crucial.
Use this timeline as a guide for typical STD symptoms, but always consult with a healthcare
provider for any known exposure or symptoms.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
These common bacterial infections might show symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.
However, many infected individuals remain asymptomatic, especially in the early stages of
infection. For some, symptoms can be mild or easily mistaken for other conditions which can
lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
A few common symptoms of these STDs include:
- Painful urination
- Unusual discharge
- Painful or swelling testicles
- Anal soreness
- Rectal irritation and bleeding
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
Syphilis
Syphilis has distinct stages, with symptoms varying at each stage. The first sore often appears
within 10 to 90 days after exposure. If left untreated, this STD can progress to the secondary
stage which is characterized by rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can
show up weeks after the initial sore. The tertiary stage can present severe complications, but
could take years to develop. If you experience symptoms of syphilis or believe you’ve had
sexual contact with someone who has it, it’s important to get tested.
Herpes 1 & 2
Herpes (HSV) 1 manifests orally, while Herpes 2 is genital herpes. However, both HSV 1 & 2
can infect the genital, mouth, and/or rectum. Initial herpes outbreaks usually occur within 2 to 12
days after exposure, though it can take longer for some individuals. Subsequent outbreaks may
happen sporadically and might be less severe. If you believe you’ve been exposed, it’s
important to get tested to determine whether the presence of HSV 1 or 2 is confirmed.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of hepatitis
virus causing the infection. There are several types– Hepatitis A, B, and C– each with their own
characteristics. Hepatitis A symptoms usually appear within 2 to 6 weeks after exposure,
whereas Hepatitis B symptoms could appear between 6 weeks to months after exposure. In
many cases, people with Hepatitis C might now show any symptoms for years.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Lack of hunger
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
It’s crucial to remember that these timelines are approximations, and can significantly vary
among individuals. The absence of symptoms does not indicate the absence of infection.
Regular testing is the most reliable way to confirm one’s STD/STI status, especially for those
who are sexually active or engaging in unprotected sex.
Get STD Testing with Precision Health in Denver, CO
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is simple, confidential, and easily available with
Precision Health. Early detection allows for timely treatment, preventing potential complications
and reducing the risk of transmission. If you suspect exposure to an STD, order a test today. If
you’d like to know more about our STD testing services, or are unsure of which tests you need,
you can easily schedule a telehealth consultation with one of our providers. Precision Health
does not require in-house provider visits, which makes testing more convenient and affordable
than ever. If you have any additional questions about STD/STI testing, please contact our
medical team directly at (303) 418-2102.
