Family Planning Plus

It depends on the STD.  It can take less than 48 hours for individuals to show symptoms of pubic lice. Usually, though, it takes a bit longer than 48 hours for most other STDs.  If you are experiencing symptoms though, you really ought to be evaluated by a medical practitioner. You may be experiencing an unrelated medical problem.

Please keep in mind that some STDs (like HIV) have no initial symptoms. What’s more, you have to wait at least three months after possible exposure to be tested. When you are tested for HIV, the test does not look for the virus itself. Instead, it looks for HIV-specific antibodies. It takes your body 6-12 weeks to develop these antibodies. 

Because many STDs have no initial symptoms, it is a good idea for all sexually active individuals to be tested regularly (at least annually).

When symptoms are present, they are more likely to be present in men than in women. STD-related symptoms include:

• Painful urination, a frequent urge to urinate; pain during sexual intercourse and/or dull pelvic pain (for females), pain while ejaculating and/or scrotal pain (for males).
• Discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus.
• Low grade fever, achiness, swollen glands, and sore throat.
• Itching or an annoying tingling sensation in the genital area.
• Rashes or redness/swelling in the genital area.
• Bumps, blisters, warts, or sores in the genital area.

If you are sexually active and live near one of our offices, please call us for a free STD screening visit. If you live further away, contact the provider of your choice, or visit the Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.