When Should I Test for STDs?

Dr. Leonard Leng of ATA Medical Singapore.

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: 13 Aug 2024.

Generally, you should test for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) if you are sexually active. Factors that place you at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) include having multiple partners, engaging in unprotected sex or having a history of STDs. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, reducing risk of complications and transmission. Notwithstanding, common STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can be asymptomatic, which emphasises the need for frequent testing. Knowing when to test for STDs contributes to maintaining your sexual health and can afford you peace of mind.

Top 5 sexually transmitted infections STI in Singapore 2018.

Source: National Skin Centre

High-Risk Sexual Behaviours

STD testing is generally recommended for:

Everyone at least once
People with new or multiple sexual partners
People who engage in casual sex and/or unprotected sex
Men who have sex with men
People diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Women aged 21 years and above, or below 25 years and are sexually active
Pregnant women

In Singapore, this is especially important for young adults, given that those aged between 20-34 years had the highest rate of STIs in 2017 according to a Ministry of Health (MOH) report. Prompt testing is important for this age group to prevent the spread of infection and potential long-term health complications.

People with multiple sexual partners at higher risk of STIs.

STD Window Periods and Potential Symptoms

STDs have varying window periods, which is the time after being exposed before a test can detect an infection in the body:

Type of STD	Window Period for Testing
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea	24 hours to 6 days
Syphilis	3 to 6 weeks
Herpes	4 to 6 weeks
Hepatitis	Hepatitis A: 2 to 7 weeks Hepatitis B: 6 weeks Hepatitis C: 8 to 9 weeks
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)	14 days

Some common STDs symptoms can include:

Unusual genital discharge
Pain when urinating
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of weight
Sores
Rash or itching
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

It is important to note that these can be caused by other health conditions. However, if you experience these symptoms and are concerned about being infected, please consult your doctor to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Asymptomatic Infections and Routine Testing

Many STDs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhoea, often show no symptoms. If left untreated, this can lead to serious long-term health issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility and chronic pain, and epididymitis in men, affecting sperm-carrying tubes. Regular STD testing is your best defence as it allows for early detection and treatment, preventing complications and reducing the risk of transmission. While annual testing is recommended for most sexually active individuals, those at higher risk such as having multiple partners or engaging in unprotected sex should consider more frequent testing.

Calendar to mark routine STD testing date.

Testing During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should test for STDs as part of their prenatal care. Untreated STDs can lead to complications such as transmission to the baby, miscarriage or stillbirth, preterm labour and delivery, low birth weight, or congenital anomalies. Timely testing and treatment during pregnancy are viral for both maternal and infant health.

Summary

Regular and prompt testing is crucial to ensuring optimal sexual health. By understanding your risk level and the window periods for STDs, you can make informed decisions about testing. Since most infections may be asymptomatic, regular testing is essential for early detection and treatment to prevent complications. Protect yourself and your partners by getting tested for STDs promptly if you are at risk or concerned about being infected.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The time it takes for an STD to be detectable (window period) varies. HIV typically shows up in 1-3 months, while chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be detected within 24 hours to 6 days weeks. Syphilis may take 3-6 weeks, and herpes 4-6 weeks.

Get tested if you have new sexual partners, engage in unprotected sex, experience symptoms, or have a history of STDs. Regular annual testing is recommended for sexually active individuals.

If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, or have symptoms like unusual discharge, pain during urination, or sores, you should get tested. High-risk behaviours increase the need for frequent testing.

Herpes and gonorrhoea symptoms can sometimes appear within 2 days, but accurate testing for these infections typically requires waiting longer.

Symptoms can appear from a few days to several weeks after exposure, depending on the STD. For example, herpes and gonorrhoea symptoms may appear within a few days, while syphilis can take weeks.

Yes, it's a good practice to get tested after every new sexual partner to ensure early detection and treatment of any potential STDs.

HIV, HPV, herpes, and hepatitis B are not curable, but they can be managed with treatment. Regular monitoring and medication can control symptoms and reduce transmission risk.

You can pass on an STD as soon as you are infected, even if you have no symptoms. Early testing and treatment are crucial to prevent transmission.

Inform sexual partners as soon as you are diagnosed with an STD to allow them to get tested and seek treatment if necessary.

Currently, only self-testing kits for HIV are available for purchase from the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control (DSC) Clinic and Action for Aids (AfA). Testing for other STDs has to be done at polyclinics, hospitals, or other clinics.

Confirmation requires testing through blood, urine, or swab samples analysed by a healthcare provider or lab. Consult your doctor for appropriate tests based on symptoms and exposure.

Yes, urine tests can detect certain STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Other STDs may require blood tests or swabs.

Most STDs do not go away on their own and require treatment. Untreated STDs can lead to serious health complications.

Due to being incurable, HIV requires lifelong treatment through ongoing antiretroviral therapy. However, with consistent treatment, individuals can manage the condition effectively.

It depends on the STD being tested for. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be tested for within 1-2 days up to 6 days. Most other STDs require a longer window period after exposure before they can be reliably detected. Consult your doctor for the appropriate timing.