April is STI Awareness Month, a reminder that sexual health is an essential part of overall health. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, often asymptomatic, and highly treatable when caught early. Knowing the signs and when to get tested can help you stay protected.
Common STI Symptoms and Timeframes
Many STIs don’t show symptoms right away (or at all), but when they do, here’s what to expect:
- Chlamydia: Symptoms may appear 1–3 weeks after exposure (often none)
- Gonorrhea: Symptoms can show up in 2–7 days
- Syphilis: First symptoms (a painless sore) appear around 3 weeks
- Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2): Symptoms develop within 2–12 days
- HIV: Early flu-like symptoms may appear 2–4 weeks after exposure
- Trichomoniasis: Symptoms may develop within 5–28 days
- HPV: Symptoms (like genital warts) may take weeks to months, or never appear
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with STIs have no symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important. Regular testing is the only way to know your status and protect your health.
When Should You Get Tested?
You should consider STI testing if you:
- Have a new or multiple partners
- Have had condomless sex
- Notice unusual symptoms (discharge, sores, pain)
- Have a partner who tested positive
- Are you using or starting PrEP
STI Prevention Options
There are multiple ways to reduce your risk of STIs:
- Condoms and barriers
- PrEP (reduces HIV risk by ~99% when taken as prescribed)
- DoxyPEP (post-exposure option for some bacterial STIs)
- Vaccines (HPV and hepatitis B)
- Routine STI screening
“Some STIs present with no symptoms, and you can have them without symptoms for a while. STIs can have long-term health effects if not diagnosed and treated early, and some STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even if you are using a condom. This is why routine STI screening is so important for your health. It is also why it is important not to assume that you are STI-free just because you don't have any symptoms. Come into any one of our offices, or catch up with us on the RV, for routine STI checks as often as you want - we are here for you!” - Susan Gibson, DNP, CRNP, AAHIVS
We provide judgment-free, inclusive STI testing and care. Whether you have symptoms or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Walk in or schedule an appointment today; your health comes first.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines
- World Health Organization. Sexually Transmitted Infections Fact Sheets
- National Institutes of Health. HIV and STI Information
