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STDs (Expert Forum)
how long does it take to have symptoms?
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
how long does it take to have symptoms?
by Babycakes1, Sep 13, 2004 12:00AM
How long does it take an STD like syphilis to show up?
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Sep 15, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 15, 2004 12:00AM
Syphilis itself typically causes symptoms--usually a sore on or near the genitals, anal area, or sometimes the mouth--3 weeks to 2 months after exposure. But the incubation period for other STDs is all over the map: as short as 1-3 days for gonorrhea or herpes, typically 7-10 days for chlamydia, and often several weeks for genital warts and certain other infections.
Also, most STDs most often cause no symptoms at all, or such mild ones they aren't noticed. So going (say) a few weeks after exposure without symptoms is no guarantee a persons isn't infected. If you had risky sex, especially with a partner you don't know well, go get checked. If you don't have a regular health care provider, call your local health department.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Also, most STDs most often cause no symptoms at all, or such mild ones they aren't noticed. So going (say) a few weeks after exposure without symptoms is no guarantee a persons isn't infected. If you had risky sex, especially with a partner you don't know well, go get checked. If you don't have a regular health care provider, call your local health department.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Regards,
Phil