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• Wait at least 2 weeks after your last sexual encounter to collect your samples.
• We will still test for all the STI’s recommended on your consultation regardless of window periods.
• It is then advised to retest again 2.5 months after your first test, if your first test was 2 weeks after your last sexual activity.
• you can retest sooner as long as all STIs have become detectable.

At minimum, this allows us to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea based on your most recent sexual activity and to start treatment if you test positive. We’ll also test for any other STIs recommended during your consultation, which may have been acquired prior to that activity. When you retest in 2.5 months, you’ll need to start a new consultation on sh.uk or visit your local sexual health clinic.

• Refer to the window periods on how long to wait for the specific STI.
• If the window period shows to wait more than 45 days but your sh.uk consultation reccomends to test for more than one specific STI, we recommend testing 2 weeks after your last sexual activity and then retest again in 2.5 months.
• you can retest sooner as long as all STI window have become detectable.
• If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your GP or local sexual health clinic about PEP.

Unless you have been informed that a past or present sexual partner has tested positive for an STI, try not to be too concerned. Symptoms can be used for guidance but can also be present for none STI related issues. Only testing can determine whether you have an STI.

PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure and ideally within 24 hours, and taken daily for 28 days.

PrEP is a preventative medication that HIV-negative individuals can take to significantly reduce their risk of contracting HIV. More information on PEP & PrEP

• Do not wait, collect your samples straight away and post them back

Generally, it's recommended to get tested at least once a year, or more often if engaging in condomless sex with new or casual partners.