Aa
When to Test for Hepatitis
I got screened for all STDs back in June. I feel confidant for almost everything, except I read that the window period for Hep C is 6 months, and I got tested around 5 months. I plan to get tested again, but not until next January. (My husband does not want me to do it before then) The CDC told me 6 months + is necessary for an accurate test. Is this true or do I not need any more testing? This is important to me as I plan to get pregnant around Jan (after I test of course, if I need to).
Also, what is the window period for syhpilis? Is 5 months ok? Thank you.
Also, what is the window period for syhpilis? Is 5 months ok? Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There is no point in testing for hepatitis A. If you were exposed and infected 5 months ago, you had hep A 2-3 weeks later and it has been long gone, since it lasts only 2-3 weeks. And unlike hep B and C, there is no chronic, permanent infection or carrier state; once hep A is gone, it's gone forever. Don't waste your money on a test.
For hep B the window is 6 weeks, rarely as long as 3 months. But that's also very rare as an STD except in gay men.
For hep B the window is 6 weeks, rarely as long as 3 months. But that's also very rare as an STD except in gay men.
Thank you so much. I forgot to ask (I was rushing this letter because I was embarased last night)- what are the testing times (window period) for Hep A and Hep B as well?
Thank you again. This is a huge help. Looking through the countless posts in this site is getting me too anxious so I appreciate your answer.
Thank you again. This is a huge help. Looking through the countless posts in this site is getting me too anxious so I appreciate your answer.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum. However, hepatitis C is not considered an STD, even though some websites have called it one. The only proved sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is between gay men who participate in highly traumatic rectal sex with bleeding. The heterosexual partners of people with HCV have no higher risk of having HCV themselves than anyone else -- unless they also share blood with their infected partners, for example if they are injection drug users who share injection equipment. We do not test people for HCV in my STD clinic, unless they have blood exposures, such as injection drug users. Therefore, I have little personal experience testing for HCV. You probalby can get useful information on a hepatitis forum. In any case, if sexual activity is your only HCV risk, testing was unnecessary.
Syphilis blood tests almost always are positive within 6 weeks of infection. A negative result at 5 months is 100% reliable.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Syphilis blood tests almost always are positive within 6 weeks of infection. A negative result at 5 months is 100% reliable.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
