How soon do you get symptoms after contracting an STD?

The incubation period for STDs varies widely, depending on the specific infection. Symptoms may appear within a few days or may not develop for several weeks or even months.

Here are the incubation periods for some common STDs:

- Chlamydia: 1-3 weeks

- Gonorrhea: 2-5 days

- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): 2-20 days

- Human papillomavirus (HPV): Weeks to months or years

- Syphilis: 10-90 days

- Trichomoniasis: 5-28 days

It's important to note that not all STDs cause symptoms. Some infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be asymptomatic, meaning that people may not even know they have an infection. This is why it's important to get tested regularly for STDs, even if you don't have any symptoms.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, it's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.