Public Health England has just released new data on sexual health in the UK, revealing that STIs are on the rise again, with a 5% increase in diagnoses for last year, compared to 2017. This is not all bad news, as this higher number of diagnoses correlates with a higher number of people seeking sexual health testing and treatment.
Nonetheless, almost half a million people received positive diagnoses for STIs in 2018, meaning that there is still significant room for improvement with regard to raising awareness about safe sex practices. At the City Walk-In Clinic, we make the process as quick and painless as possible, offering the fastest possible results. We have a long-standing special focus on sexual health testing, and we are now delighted to be able to offer even faster results and shorter window periods to accompany our competitive pricing.
One of the more common sexual health questions we receive at the Walk-In Clinic is about window periods. In other words, how long do you have to wait, after having unprotected sex, to get tested?
The window period for HIV testing is usually 4-6 weeks. With our new early detection test, however, you only need to wait 10 days after potential exposure to the virus to get peace of mind. Our HIV RNA Early Detection Test is highly accurate, and the results are available in 4-6 working hours, meaning that in most cases you will be able to get them on the same day.
Amongst the numbers for individual diseases, the stats for gonorrhoea are the most concerning, with a 26% increase in diagnoses. Almost half of these diagnoses were amongst men who have sex with men (MSM), so if you are in this demographic it is especially important to get tested regularly. In addition, gonorrhoea is a disease that has recently begun to exhibit multi-drug resistance, meaning that some strains have not been treatable with traditional antibiotics (dubbed ‘Super Gonorrhoea’). Our Gonorrhoea test results take just 4-6 hours, and in the event of a positive result, you can get your prescription on the same day, so please do not hesitate to make an appointment and come see us.
We offer a special package of Gonorrhea testing with Chlamydia, meaning that you save money testing for both. We offer this package because the two infections are so frequently found together! Chlamydia results are equally fast, 4-6 hours, and as this is an increasingly common and often symptom-free condition, it is definitely a good idea to make sure you are clear.
Stay aware, stay safe, and get tested.
FAQs
Do I have to take the HIV early detection test exactly 10 days after exposure?
The RNA early detection test is most accurate at 10 days after exposure. It is fine to take this test a day or two later, but be aware that you will get the most accurate result with this test at 10 days. If you have missed the window and still want to be tested, we recommend that you consider the Multiplex test. It is the most accurate HIV test available, and results take 3-7 days. Our HIV tests page can help you with all the available options.
What happens if I’ve missed the window period for the HIV early detection test?
If it has been more than two weeks since you’ve had unprotected sexual intercourse, it is best to wait another two weeks and then come in for either the Instant HIV test (with results in just 60 seconds), or the HIV antibody test. Both of these tests give accurate results 4-6 weeks after exposure.
Are there any other tests that I can take at the 10-day window period?
Yes, in addition to HIV, Multiplex testing covers you for Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C, and can give accurate results from 10 days or more after exposure.
What is the most accurate HIV test?
The most accurate HIV test is the Multiplex PCR test. It is accurate from 10 days after exposure, with results available in 3-7 days.
What is the best STI test to get?
We always recommend getting our full package, which tests for all STIs, including viruses and bacterial infections. This is the best way to know for sure that you are in excellent sexual health.
