Getting an STI test at least once a year is an excellent approach to maintain our health. However, in addition to yearly standard testing, there are other critical times to see your local clinic for STD testing. Here is a brief checklist.


  • Before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner, it's recommended to be tested;
  • If you have seen any lumps, discharge, rashes, or other changes in your body;
  • If you or your partner hook up with other people;
  • If you have intercourse with someone who has an STI and didn't use a condom or other preventative techniques;
  • If you had sex without a condom with someone who hasn't tested for STIs in a long time, or if your condom broke during sex.


How Soon After Intercourse Can I Get Tested?

This will vary depending on the STI and the amount of time between sexual contacts. The duration of time between sexual contact and being tested for STIs (and having them "show up" on a test) is sometimes referred to as a window period. Every STI determines the duration of this window period.


HIV can take up to three months to provide a definitive positive result, but 95% of tests are correct after six weeks. A blood test can reveal enough copies of the virus (known as viral load) in your blood after up to three months.


Chlamydia can be tested after a few days, but the findings are most accurate after two weeks.

The most exact gonorrhea findings are obtained after seven days. While you can be tested sooner, there is a risk of a false negative if the illness has not produced enough bacteria or virus to be found on a test.


Hepatitis has a two to four week incubation period. Syphilis has a window period of three to four weeks. Herpes tests are most accurate after three months, or within two to twelve days if a lesion is visible.


What Is Your Relationship Status?


1. I'm hooking up or want to hook up

Casual or not, if you have a new sexual partner, you and your partner(s) should ideally get tested before having sex for the first time, but we all know that doesn't always happen in reality. If you haven't gotten tested before you start hooking up, this is an excellent incentive to go to your nearby sexual health clinic. For additional information on when to get tested after having sex, see our section on window periods. If you change partners frequently, you might consider more regular testing, especially if you do not always use condoms. For people who change partners frequently, it's a good idea to get tested before each new relationship or every three to six months.


Even if you haven't just hooked up with someone new, it's a good idea to be tested before trying again. If you often sleep with the same person or persons, getting tested on a regular basis is another excellent approach to protect your health. 


2. I am in a new relationship

If testing is not currently a regular practice, consider making it one. Regular testing is an excellent method to maintain good health. If you've changed partners since your last test, now is an excellent opportunity to be tested again. 


If your new relationship is monogamous (meaning you're only hooking up with each other), set a goal of making testing an annual part of your health care routine once you've been tested and received your findings. Remember that it is always possible to have a STI without knowing it, so making testing a regular part of your health care routine is a good idea.


3. I am in a long-term relationship

If it has been more than a year since you and your partner(s) were tested, it is time to get tested again. Even when we don't change partners, it's always possible to have a STI without realizing it, therefore making testing a regular part of your health care is a great idea! In a long-term relationship, being tested at least once a year is a good practice.