You had a possible exposure, got tested, and the result came back negative. So, does that mean you definitely don't have an STD?
Not always.
If you test shortly after an exposure, it is possible for an infection to be present but not yet detectable. This is known as the window period. The timing depends on the infection, the type of test used, and sometimes the part of the body that was exposed.
That doesn't mean a negative STD test should be ignored. It means the result needs to be considered alongside when you tested and what you were tested for.
What Is the STD Window Period?
The window period is the time between an infection occurring and the point when a particular test c...
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