The incubation period of chlamydia
|
In brief
|
What is the incubation period of chlamydia?
When you become infected with chlamydia does not mean that you will develop symptoms. The period between infection and when you notice any symptoms is called the incubation period. For chlamydia, this time is usually between 7 and 21 days. During this period, the bacteria may already be present in your body without you noticing anything.
Chlamydia is an STI transmitted through contact with mucous membranes during unsafe sex. Those mucous membranes are located at the back of the throat, vagina, anus and on the penis. As a result, you can become infected with chlamydia during sexual penetration, as well as during blowjobs or eating or rubbing contact. The window phase for chlamydia in the throat or anywhere else is the same. Also, the window phase of chlamydia in women and men is the same length, 14 days.
The difference between the incubation period and window phase
Incubation period and window phase are sometimes confused, but these are two different things. Incubation time refers to the time between chlamydia infection and the appearance of any symptoms. The window phase is the time that must elapse before a test can reliably demonstrate infection.
For a reliable chlamydia STI test result, it is important to test after the window phase. A test before that time can potentially give a false-negative result because the bacteria are not yet detectable.
Can you have sex during the window phase of chlamydia?
Most people who get chlamydia suffer little or no ill effects. Therefore, they often do not know they have chlamydia until they have a chlamydia STI test do. Even during the incubation period, chlamydia can be transmitted. Therefore, it is always smart to get an STI test if you have been warned about chlamydia or have had unsafe sex. This way you avoid passing on a possible infection to your sex partner(s).
When to take a chlamydia STI test?
For the most reliable result, do the test only after the window phase. For chlamydia, this is after 14 days. This gives the most reliable result because the bacteria are usually detectable in the laboratory by then. Not sure yet which STI test to take? Then first do the free STI Testing Guide.
Resources
This page has been carefully compiled with information from official and independent health organizations:
- STI AIDS Netherlands - Chlamydia
- STI AIDS Netherlands for professionals - Chlamydia testing and treatment
Why choose Soapoli-online?
With Soapoli-online, you always have clarity about your health, especially if you have doubts about an STI infection. Still doubting whether a trichomonas test is the right one? Then do our freeSTI Testing Guide!