Results
Reading results, false positives, retesting, and what to do next.
- False Positive STD Tests: Why They HappenCan an STD test be a false positive? See what can cause one with herpes, syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea tests, and why a second test matters.
- How Long Do STD Test Results Take?STD results can take minutes for a rapid test or a few days from a lab. See typical wait times by test and provider, and why some results take longer.
- How Long Will You Test Positive After Treatment?Why a test can read positive soon after treatment, when CDC says to wait before retesting for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trich, and which tests stay positive.
- How to Read Your STD Test ResultsWhat negative, positive, reactive and inconclusive mean on an STD test report, why some results need a second test, and what to do next with each.
- How to Tell a Partner You Tested Positive for an STDWho to tell, what to say, and three ways to do it: in person, through your clinic or health department, or anonymously by text. Plain steps from CDC guidance.
- My Partner Tested Positive but I Tested NegativeWhy your STD test can be negative when your partner's was positive, when CDC says exposed partners should be treated anyway, and when to test again.
- Negative STD Test Results: Are You in the Clear?A negative STD test is good news, but only if the timing and tests fit. Learn when a negative is reliable, when to retest, and what it doesn't cover.
- Tested Positive for an STD: What to Do NextA positive STD result is usually the start of a treatment plan, not an emergency. The steps that follow: treatment, partners, when to avoid sex, and retesting.