How accurate is STD test done within 5 days after sex?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had an STD test done five or six days after unprotected sex with a new partner. The tests came back negative, but I have learned that you should wait for different windows of time before getting tested for certain STDs. This was about seven months ago. Today, I went to my gynecologist to get tested again (for chlamydia and gonorrhea) to ease my mind. She said that the original tests were likely accurate given that just barely enough time had passed to be tested, but suggested to get another test for peace of mind. I did not think, until after my appointment, to ask if the Doxycycline I am currently taking for my acne (100 mg, twice daily) would alter the results? I am wondering if the results I get in a week's time will be accurate? And if you think the original test was likely accurate in the first place?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your history and understood your concern. As the incubation period of organism are different in every infection usually first test should be done after 10-15 days of exposure as your is done little early. But as you are not having any other symptoms along with this we can rely on your test results. But Doxycycline may affect the test results.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As chlamydia incubation period is 7-21 days and gonorrhea is 1-14 days. In my opinion, the first test should be done 7-10 days after exposure, in your case it was done early, so the first test is not a conclusive test. You have to go for further testing to be sure because it may take two to three weeks after exposure for the results to be positive.