Question 1

How soon after unprotected sex can I get tested?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can usually be detected after 14 days. HIV requires at least 18–45 days for a reliable result using a 4th-generation test, with 90 days for complete certainty. Syphilis takes 21–90 days. Testing too early can produce a false negative — use our STI Testing Timeline for your specific exposure date.

Question 2

What is included in a standard STI screen?

Accepted Answer

A standard screen typically covers chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. Depending on the clinic and your risk factors, it may also include hepatitis B and C, herpes, and trichomonas. Different sites require different swabs — if you have had anal or oral sex, make sure to request swabs from those sites too, as infections at these locations are often missed without targeted testing.

Question 3

Can you have an STI with no symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is very common. Chlamydia has no symptoms in about 70–80% of people. Gonorrhoea is asymptomatic in roughly 50% of those with penises and a higher proportion of those with vaginas. HIV often causes only mild or unrecognised symptoms during early infection. This is why regular testing is recommended even when you feel completely well.

Question 4

What is PEP and when should I take it?

Accepted Answer

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication that can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of a potential exposure. The sooner it is started, the more effective it is — ideally within 24 hours. PEP is available free on the NHS at A&E departments and sexual health clinics. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop.

Question 5

What is PrEP and who should consider it?

Accepted Answer

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medication (tenofovir/emtricitabine) that is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken correctly. It is recommended for people at ongoing elevated risk of HIV — including men who have sex with men with multiple partners, and people with HIV-positive partners. PrEP is available free on the NHS in England via sexual health clinics.

Question 6

U=U — what does Undetectable = Untransmittable mean?

Accepted Answer

U=U is a scientific consensus statement: a person living with HIV who is on effective treatment and has a consistently undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to their partner. This is supported by large-scale clinical studies including PARTNER and HPTN 052. This does not mean other STIs cannot be transmitted — condoms and regular testing remain important.

Question 7

How accurate is a rapid HIV test?

Accepted Answer

Modern 4th-generation combination tests (antigen/antibody) are highly accurate after the window period — sensitivity and specificity are above 99%. Rapid point-of-care tests used in some clinics typically detect antibodies only, which means they have a longer window period (around 90 days for a definitive result). Always confirm a positive rapid test with a laboratory blood test.

Question 8

Do I have to tell my partner if I have an STI?

Accepted Answer

In the UK there is no legal obligation to disclose most STIs to a sexual partner, but it is strongly recommended for ethical and public health reasons. For HIV specifically, deliberately transmitting it to someone without their knowledge could have legal consequences. Sexual health clinics can help with partner notification sensitively and confidentially — they can even contact partners anonymously on your behalf.

Question 9

Are all STIs curable?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial STIs — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas — are curable with antibiotics. Viral STIs — HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C — are not curable but are highly manageable. HIV is controlled with antiretroviral therapy; herpes is managed with antiviral medication to suppress outbreaks; hepatitis C can now be cured with direct-acting antiviral treatment in most cases.

HIV

Common questions about HIV