We’re often reminded to choose our battles carefully because, in life, everything has a price. In some cases, the cost can be hefty. For instance, if you’re sexually active, your risk of contracting an STD rises exponentially, especially if you don’t practice safe sex. In that case, if you’re afraid you might have contracted an STD, consider going to an STD testing clinic in Oregon City or your hometown.
Perhaps, you’re also racking your brains, wondering how long you have to wait for STD test results from your doctor. Unfortunately, the answer depends on a variety of variables. Let’s quickly explore some of them to paint a better picture of what you can expect.
- The Condition Your Doctor is Testing
Each STD has its incubation period – before symptoms start to show. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, for example, can take up to two weeks to reveal themselves. HPV can take up to eight weeks. And HIV might not show up on a test for three months.
Your doctor can estimate how long it might take to get your results back based on the STD you’re being tested for. Meanwhile, here’s a list of various STDs, including when you can expect results.
- Chlamydia – 3 days.
- Herpes – 1-14 days.
- HIV- 30 minutes to a few days or weeks.
- HPV – 1-3 weeks.
- Syphilis – 7-12 days.
As you’ve noticed, the waiting time for STD test results can range from a few days to weeks. Plus, the list above is merely a guide and isn’t exhaustive.
- Testing Method
Physicians test for STDs using various approaches. For instance, they may test your blood, cheek swab, or urine. Blood tests take longer than swab tests because the doctor has to send them off to a lab for analysis. Plus, the laboratory needs time to analyze your blood samples properly.
Swab tests can usually be done in-office and take only a few minutes. On the other hand, urine tests are often self-administered and can take up to a week for results. If the doctor uses a swab to collect cell samples from your cervix, throat, or anus, results will likely be back within a week.
- The STD Testing Clinic
Depending on how they operate, some clinics may have a longer turnaround time than others. For example, some may offer on-site testing and can provide results in under 30 minutes. Others send samples to a lab, and you might have to wait a few days or even weeks to get your results back. Plus, such labs may only operate during business hours, so you might have to wait even longer if you’re tested over the weekend.
And since the clinic may not have little to no control over how the lab operates, it might be difficult to estimate the expected wait time. Hence, if you’re considering STD testing, find out from your doctor or the clinic how long results will take. That way, you can plan accordingly as you’re sure about the timeline.
- Sensitivity of the Test
Some STD tests are more sensitive than others. For example, a rapid HIV test can show results within 30 minutes. However, this test is not as sensitive as a standard HIV blood test, which can take a few days or weeks to show results. Similarly, a urine test for chlamydia is not as sensitive as a swab test. Simply put, the more sensitive the test, the longer it takes to get results.
That said, your doctor would be best poised to clue you in on the sensitivity of a particular test, including the timeframe within which to expect your results. So, don’t hesitate to ask if you’re antsy about how long it might take.
Why Screening is Vital
STDs are common – nearly 20 million new infections occur annually in the United States. That said, they often come with a stigma that can make people reluctant to get screened.
However, STD testing helps to identify infections early, when they are most easily treated. Plus, it can prevent the spread of STDs to your sexual partners. Besides, getting tested can provide peace of mind and help you take control of your sexual health.
We know. It’s natural to avoid going to the doctor, especially if you think you might have an STD. But the earlier an STD is diagnosed, the better your odds of treatment and preventing complications.
So don’t be shy – if you’re sexually active, get tested for STDs regularly. It could help you reevaluate your choices and alter the course of your life for the better. And while it helps to have a rough estimate of the duration you have to wait for the results, the most critical aspect is that you get tested at all. Then, perhaps, you can sweat the small details – or hopefully not.