text: Typically the bacterial infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) take anywhere from a few days to a month to show symptoms, if they show symptoms at all! Most of these won't show symptoms for a few months, so someone could be spreading it without knowing they are doing so. FYI - trich doesn't show symptoms in men most of the time, only women. \n\nThe viral infections are different. Herpes, HPV (genital warts), HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis are all viral STD infections. Herpes and HPV usually show symptoms within a month, while HIV and Hepatitis don't typically show symptoms - sometimes for years at a time. The only specific testing information I know is for HIV - it takes about 3 months before a test can MOST EFFECTIVELY detect a level of antibodies in your system. If you are worried about HIV infection, make sure that you abstain from any risk behaviors (unprotected sex, sharing needles, or unprotected contact with blood, breast milk, vaginal secretions, or semen)  for 3 months before getting tested. \n\nIf you're worried about any STD exposure, go to a doctor or clinic and get tested. They will talk to you about your risk behaviors/level and they will be able to answer more specific questions for you. \n\nBest wishes!