STI Testing Incubation Periods

When Should I Get Tested for an STI?

It is advisable to get tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly. This helps to prevent an untreated STI from triggering the development of further issues that may affect your long-term health. [1] You should arrange an STI test as soon as possible if any of the following circumstances relate to your current situation [2][3]:

You have met a new partner
You have multiple partners
A recent or previous partner has told you they are positive for an STI
You are experiencing symptoms you are worried about
It has been a while since you got tested
You had a recent sexual encounter that worries you
You are concerned about your sexual health

Better2Know is the Middle East’s largest provider of private STI testing services. Our wide range of sexual heath screens and tests are designed with your STI related concerns in mind. You will receive extensive, confidential and accurate STI testing with Better2Know. If you are unsure which STI test or screen to select, Better2Know’s team of experienced sexual health advisors are highly trained to help you. Your expert advisor will listen to your concerns, before suggesting suitable STI testing options for your personal needs. Your private appointment can be arranged around your busy schedule, for a time and date that suits you.

How will I know if I need to get an STI test?

Aside from the circumstances detailed above, you may be suffering from symptoms that prompt you to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms of an STI can include [4]:

Pain when urinating
Unusual discharge
Abnormal bleeding
Flu-like symptoms
An increased need to urinate more frequently
Itching, redness or swelling
Genital or anal discomfort
Sores, blisters, ulcers, lesions or any other break in the continuation of skin

However, many STIs can exhibit no symptoms in an infected individual, especially if the exposure was recent. The only way to know if you have been infected is to get tested as soon as possible. [5] Contact our dedicated sexual health advisors to receive expert advice today.

When can I get tested for sexually transmitted infections?

Better2Know’s STI tests and screens come with an advised period of incubation to ensure the accuracy of your results. This is the time between potential exposure to infection and your STI test. If you decide to test before this specified period has elapsed, then your results may not be as accurate as they could be. [6] Below are the incubation periods associated with the sexually transmitted infections we provide confidential testing for in the Middle East:

HIV (28 days or 26 days for Better2Know’s instant HIV test)
Chlamydia (14 days)
Gonorrhoea (14 days)
Herpes I/II (symptomatic or 4-6 weeks)
Syphilis (9 days)
Hepatitis B (28 days)
Hepatitis C (10 days)
HPV/Genital Warts (no incubation period necessary)
Mycoplasma (14 days)
Trichomonas (14 days)
Ureaplasma (14 days)
Gardnerella (14 days)

How can I get an STI test?

Contact Better2Know’s friendly sexual health advisors today. Your experienced advisor will help you arrange your private appointment at one of our STI clinics in the Middle East for a time and date that suits your busy schedule.

Upon arriving at Better2Know’s private sexual health clinic, you will be seen by one of our qualified clinicians who will go through the testing process before collecting your samples. Your samples will then be sent to our fully certified, central laboratory in the Middle East for fast, accurate testing.

Depending on your chosen STI test or screen, you can receive your confidential results from three working days after your samples have arrived at Better2Know’s highly accredited laboratory.

You can view your results at any time by using Better2Know’s exclusive patient area, which will securely display your STI results as soon as they are available. Better2Know’s expert Patient Services team will also contact you once all your results are ready to report. You can choose the method of communication: text, telephone or email. Alternatively, you can request for us not to contact you and you can get in touch with us instead. It is completely up to you.

If you test positive for a sexually transmitted infection, Better2Know will help you access the treatment you need. For more information, please contact our sexual health advisors now.

Organise Your Private Appointment Today

Book your STI test or screen now by phoning Better2Know’s team of sexual health advisors on the number listed above. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have regarding our private STI testing services, or sexual health and STIs more generally. Better2Know’s online booking system also enables you to arrange your confidential appointment in the Middle East whenever it is convenient for you. Get the peace of mind you deserve by getting tested today.