Knowing when to test is just as important as choosing the right test.

Our at home test kits are designed to be simple, private, and non-invasive, but timing matters. Testing too early can lead to unclear results, while testing at the right time helps provide confidence and peace of mind.

Get clearer, more reliable results
Know when to test for STI for optimal results
Feel confident testing at home, on your schedule

Use this STI incubation period chart to decide when to use an at-home STI test kit after possible exposure or for routine screening.

*Testing windows can vary by individual. If symptoms persist or exposure concerns remain, repeat or follow-up testing may be helpful.

STI	Earliest Detection	Latest Likely Detection	Best Time To Test	Helpful Notes
Chlamydia	As early as 1 day	Up to 14 days	7–14 days after exposure
Gonorrhea	As early as 2 days	Up to 14 days	2–6 days after exposure
Trichomoniasis	As early as 3 days	Up to 7 days	5–7 days after exposure
Mycoplasma genitalium	Around 7 days	Up to 14 days	7–14 days after exposure	Not included in many standard STI tests
Herpes (HSV-1)	When symptoms or lesions appear	~3 days after symptom onset	As soon as lesions appear	Blood antibody testing may be used if no symptoms
Herpes (HSV-2)	When symptoms or lesions appear	~3 days after symptom onset	As soon as lesions appear	Blood antibody testing may be used if no symptoms
HPV	Under 3 weeks	Up to 3 months	~2 months after exposure	Routine screening helps detect higher-risk strains

Use this STI incubation period chart to decide when to use an at home test kit

Download When to Use Our Testing Kits Chart Here

STI Detection Overview chart shows the incubation period of different infections. This includes earliest detection, latest likely detection, and best time to test for each infection.

*Testing windows can vary by individual.

Simple testing, clear answers – from home.

Everything You Need For Comfortable, At-Home Testing

This depends on the specific infection. Each has a different incubation period (the time between exposure and detectability).
Some may be detectable within a few days
Others may take weeks or months

Currently we average 58 hour turnaround time. Once we receive the package (2 day USPS delivery and prepaid return) it typically is analyzed same day or next day.

Herpes lesions can last 7–14 days, starting as tingling or blisters, then breaking into sores. First outbreaks can last longer, up to 2–4 weeks, while recurrent outbreaks are often shorter.

Shop At-Home STI Tests

Knowing when to test is just as important as choosing the right test.

Use this STI incubation period chart to decide when to use an at-home STI test kit after possible exposure or for routine screening.

Use this STI incubation period chart to decide when to use an at home test kit

Simple testing, clear answers – from home.

Everything You Need For Comfortable, At-Home Testing

Private shipping • Simple collection• Trusted laboratory testing