It depends on which sexually transmitted infection (STI) you have.
Symptoms can develop within a few days or weeks, but sometimes they don't appear until months or even years later.
Often there are few or no symptoms and you may not know you have an STI.
If there's any chance you have an STI, find a local STI testing service or go to a doctor for a free and confidential check-up.
Chlamydia
Symptoms usually appear after 1 to 3 weeks, but could start much later. They include:
- discharge from the vagina or penis
- pain when peeing
- vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
- pelvic pain in women
- testicular pain in men
About 50% of men and 70% of women don't have any symptoms.
Read more about chlamydia.
Genital herpes
Symptoms can appear after 4 to 7 days, but might not start until months or years later. They include:
- small, painful blisters around the genitals
- pain when peeing
- a tingling or itching around the genitals
Most people don't have any symptoms when first infected.
Read more about genital herpes.
Genital warts
Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 3 months, but could start as early as 2 weeks or not for several years. They include small, fleshy growths or bumps on the genitals or around the anus – these are usually painless, but may be itchy
Most people with the virus that causes genital warts don't develop obvious warts.
Read more about genital warts.
Gonorrhoea
Symptoms usually appear within 10 days, but could start much later. They include:
- green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis
- pain when peeing
About 10% of men and 50% of women don't have any symptoms.
Read more about gonorrhoea.
Pubic lice and scabies
Symptoms usually appear after 5 days to 5 weeks, but could start later. They include:
- itching around the genitals (usually worse at night)
- black spots in your underwear
- small spots of blood on the skin near your genitals
- a spotty red rash
Read more about pubic lice and scabies.
Syphilis
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 3 weeks after first becoming infected, but could start earlier or much later. They include:
- 1 or more small painless sores or ulcers on the genitals
- a blotchy rash and flu-like symptoms that may follow a few weeks later
Symptoms are often not obvious and may come and go.
Read more about syphilis.
Trichomoniasis
Symptoms usually appear within 4 weeks, but could start months later. They include:
- discharge from the vagina or penis pain when peeing, as well as itchiness or discomfort around the opening of the vagina
About 50% of men and women don't have any symptoms.
Read more about trichomoniasis.
HIV
The first symptoms may appear after 2 to 6 weeks. They can include:
- flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature (fever), a sore throat, a headache, and achy muscles or joints
- a red rash on the body. Not everyone gets these symptoms, but in people who do, they usually last 1 week or 2.
After they disappear, you may not have any further symptoms for many years, even though the infection remains in your body.
Read more about HIV.
