17 Jul 2023 |

How Long after Sexual Intercourse will STI Symptoms Appear?

Have you contracted sexually transmitted infection or STI? If yes, then it might be a big shock for you though visiting a private health clinic may not be the right solution all the time. This blogpost discusses about how long after having sex you can start experiencing the symptoms of an STI, how soon you need to conduct a private STI test and whether some symptoms of STI may be mistaken for a urinary tract infection.

How long after sex will the symptoms of STI appear?

The time needed for STI symptoms to appear may differ based on the kind of STI you may have. Read on to know how long it will take for the symptoms of STI to appear for each person:

Chlamydia:

The symptoms usually appear 1- 2 weeks after sexual intercourse though this may appear lots later in some cases. It is important to note that nearly 50% of men and 70% of women who have been infected with chlamydia do not face any symptoms.

Symptoms of chlamydia may include pelvic pain in women, pain at the time of urination, testicular pain, vaginal bleeding both during and after sex, discharge from the penis or vagina.

Gonorrhoea:

Symptoms generally appear within 2 weeks of getting the STI but these symptoms do not appear in some cases. Near about 10% of men who contract Gonorrhoea and 50% of women do not experience any symptoms at all.

Symptoms of gonorrhoea include yellow or green discharge from the penis or vagina, as well as discomfort at the time of urination.

Trichomoniasis:

When you contract trichomoniasis after performing sexual activity, you will typically start experiencing the symptoms within 4 weeks. There are some cases when you might not get symptoms for months. Nearly 50% of men and women who have been infected with Trichomoniasis do not suffer from any symptoms at all.

Some symptoms include discharge from the penis and vagina, discomfort at the time of urinating, itchiness and irritation around the opening of your vagina.

Syphilis:

If you have been infected with syphilis, then you may expect to experience the symptoms after 2- 3 weeks. But there are some cases when they can start earlier than this period and later than this period.

Symptoms include having one or more painful ulcers and sores on the genital area and flu-like symptoms which take place some weeks later. It is important to know that these symptoms are not always evident and they may come and go during the treatment period.

HIV:

After contracting HIV, the symptoms may appear 2 to 6 weeks during sexual activity. They can last near about 2 weeks though everyone will not experience them.

Symptoms include flu-like symptoms like high temperature, headache, sore throat, achy joints or muscles and red rash on the body.

Since HIV is untreatable, the medication has been developed that can extend life and lessen symptoms. So, after the initial symptoms go away, you should not experience any STD symptoms.

Genital Herpes:

If you are infected with genital herpes at the time of sexual activity, then you seem to develop symptoms 4 – 7 days after. But some cases can be for months or years while most people do not have any symptoms till they are infected initially.

Symptoms include small and painful blisters around your genitals, discomfort at the time of urinating, as well as itching or tingling sensations around the genitals.

Genital Warts:

When you suffer from genital warts, these symptoms might appear 3 weeks to several months after you get in contact with the virus.

Symptoms include small bumps on your genitals or anus that are painless yet itchy.

Pubic Lice:

If you have been infected with public lice, then this may take several weeks before the lice begin to appear.

Symptoms are just the same between men and women and include black powder inside the underwear, irritation and inflammation due to itching, small spots on your skin where you have been itching.

Can symptoms of STD appear on the next day?

It is very unlikely that you will suffer from the symptoms of STD the day after taking part in sexual activity.

But it is possible that you may suffer from discomfort when your sexual partner has the symptoms of STD which can be the reason for an imbalance in your pH level. When you notice any changes to your genitals and do not know what has led to it, then you need to consult with your GP.

How soon should I test for STD after unsafe sex?

You should wait for at least 14 days after enjoying unsafe sex before booking a private STI test for the incubation period.

The incubation period is between getting in contact with the virus and when the antibodies start to fight it. In the case your antibodies do not have time to develop and you test before the incubation period ends, the test will show up as false negative.

Can you sleep with someone who has an STD and still not get it?

Sexually transmitted diseases are not spread each time you have sex but that does not mean we would suggest taking the risk. STDs can be transmitted through sexual activities such as – touching, kissing and oral sex.

STDs may be restricted from transmitting infection through bodily fluid with the help of contraception such as condom though this is not completely reliable method for using STDs.

The safest method to prevent STD is to conduct private STI testing for yourself and your partner every time you have sex with a new partner.

When you find some change in the genital area, change sex partner often or you experience symptoms of an STD, it is necessary to book a private STD test after your incubation period.

Visit STI Clinic London to book a private STD test where we provide an extensive range of STD tests for your peace of mind.  Contact our team today to get more information and necessary advice about the right test for you.