How Soon Can You Get Tested for STDs After Unprotected Oral Sex?

You can get tested for STDs like herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia as soon as 2 to 3 days after unprotected oral sex, but it's typically recommended to wait 2 weeks for accurate results. Clinic testing offers the most reliable and confidential results, with guidance from healthcare professionals.

Can You Get an STD from Oral Sex? The Risks

• Herpes (HSV-1): Transmits through cold sores. 50% of new genital herpes cases stem from oral sex (CDC).

• Gonorrhea/Chlamydia: Infect the throat – often symptomless but detectable via clinic tests.

• Syphilis: Rare but possible through oral sores.

Testing Timelines for Oral STDs

• Gonorrhea:

  • Earliest Test: 2–6 days

  • Test Type: Throat swab PCR

• Chlamydia:

  • Earliest Test: 5–7 days

  • Test Type: Urine test/swab

• Herpes:

  • Earliest Test: 2–12 days

  • Test Type: Swab or blood test

Source: CDC STD Testing Guidelines.

Step-by-Step Testing Process

1. Order a Test: Choose a comprehensive panel like the 10-Panel Test, which covers throat infections.

2. Visit a Clinic: Over 4,500 labs offer discreet throat swabs.

3. Get Results: Online in 1–2 days.

Can I Test for Oral STDs at Home?

No. At-home kits lack throat swab accuracy. The CDC recommends clinic testing for reliable results.

Case Study: Mark’s Experience

Mark, 29, developed a sore throat after unprotected oral sex. A 10-Panel Test detected asymptomatic gonorrhea. “I’d never have known without the clinic test,” he says.