STI Testing After Unprotected Sex: When to Go

• Unusual vaginal, penile, or rectal discharge
• Burning or pain with urination
• Genital sores or blisters
• New genital bumps or lesions
• Pelvic or testicular discomfort
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Itching or irritation

These symptoms can have causes other than an STI, but they should be evaluated rather than diagnosed based on symptoms alone.

If symptoms are present, tell the healthcare provider exactly when they began and when the unprotected sexual contact occurred.

What If You Have No Symptoms?

You can still have an STI without noticeable symptoms.

For this reason, waiting for symptoms before seeking testing is not always appropriate after a possible exposure.

If you are concerned about a recent encounter, explain the situation to a healthcare professional. They can help determine which tests are appropriate and whether testing should be repeated later.

Why Might You Need More Than One STI Test?

A negative test does not necessarily answer every question about a recent exposure.

If testing was performed very soon after the encounter, the infection may not yet have been detectable. A provider may therefore recommend repeat testing after an appropriate interval.

Follow-up may also be recommended when:

• The initial test was performed soon after exposure
• A partner later reports an infection
• Symptoms develop after an earlier negative test
• A specific infection requires later testing
• The healthcare provider believes additional testing is appropriate