Understanding the STD Window Periods

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Understanding the STD Window Periods

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• This is the time lag between the point when an
  individual is exposed to an infection, and the
  time when the infection is due for testing. It
  should not be confused with incubation period
  (time between infection and the start of
  symptoms). Worth noting is the fact that it is
  possible to pass on an STD from one person to the
  next during this window period. Today, we live in
  a world where STDs are rampant thus, it is of
  substance for everyone to have the knowledge on
  the incubation and testing timeframes of sexually
  transmitted infections (STIs). It is vital to get
  an STD test at the right time so as to take the
  necessary measures, i.e. if it turns positive,
  treatment starts immediately and if negative, it
  shouldnt leave a puzzle.

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Factors Affecting Window Periods

• Type of infection i.e. viral, bacterial or
  fungal.
• The incubation period of the infection.
• Immunity and general health of an individual.
• Tests used to detect the disease.
• Medical operations such as chemotherapy and organ
  transplant.

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STD Incubation and Testing Timeframes Guide
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HIV

• The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is tested in two
  ways
• The antibody test (1 to 3 months) This is the
  commonest test for HIV. The body produces
  antibodies in the event of an infection. This
  test is, therefore, dependent on the
  responsiveness of the bodys immunity and thus it
  requires time before the immunity produces
  antibodies. HIV positive outcomes always need a
  reconfirmation by performing a second test. If
  the test is negative, it is advisable to carry
  out routine tests after every three months for
  someone who has a sexual partner.
• Viral load(RNA) test (9 to 11 days) This kind
  of test measures the magnitude of the HIV virus
  in the blood. However, they are not always
  accurate and are a bit expensive. After a
  positive outcome, another test should be carried
  out for confirmation.

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Gonorrhea (2 to 6 days)

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium that
  causes gonorrhea. It is transmitted through
  intercourse or via any body fluid. Seeking
  treatment for gonorrhea can be tough since the
  symptoms do not occur in some people or they may
  take a lot of time before they appear. If a test
  shows positive results for gonorrhea, the right
  treatment is administered and another test should
  be done fourteen days after the end of the
  treatment.

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Syphilis
(3 to 6 weeks)

• It is caused by Treponemapallidum bacteria and
  the disease can cause detrimental effects if not
  treated at the right time.

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Chlamydia
(1 to 5 Days)

• This is a bacterial STD. Possible detection of
  chlamydia can happen within the very first of the
  suspected infection. If testing is done before
  the end of the window period, it is necessary to
  conduct another test. In addition, if someone
  tests positive, a retest should be done at the
  end of treatment just to confirm if the infection
  is cleared.

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Hepatitis A
(2 to7 weeks)

• This is a liver disease that does not have a
  definite cause. Once someone is infected with
  Hepatitis A, the disease stays in the body
  forever because it has no cure. Therefore there
  is no need for a retest after a positive result.

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Hepatitis B
(3 to 6 weeks) Hepatitis C
(8 to 9 weeks)

• Once again these diseases do not require a retest
  after the first tests turn positive.

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Herpes simplex (4 to 6 weeks)

• This is a viral infection and is incurable.
  Negative tests call for another test after three
  months. However, retesting is not necessary if
  someone is positive.

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