Firstly, it is important to remember that often STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you may be infected but show no symptoms.
Whether or not you will develop symptoms also depends on the sexually transmitted infection (STI).
The incubation period is the time it takes from when you first get an STI and when signs and symptoms would likely appear.
Every STI has a different incubation period. Have a look at our ‘STI at a Glance’ chart. It provides information on what common symptoms to look for, incubation and window periods (when test results are accurate).
Because many people do not develop symptoms, this is why we recommend, that even if people do not have symptoms, they test for STI regularly.
Have a look at our ‘Got symptoms’ page for more information.