An STI window period describe the time between when a person is exposed to an infection and when a test can accurately detect whether or not an infection is present.

If you get tested during the window period and get a negative result (clear / no infection detected), you could still have an infection that can only be detected after the window period has ended.

This means that for certainty, if you have a negative result during the window period, you should re-test at the end of the window period.

START DATE - for example, in respect of HIV (as per the first line of the table below) if you had a possible exposure on the 1st day of the month, the earliest that such an infection would be detected is 18 days later (i.e. 19th day of that month). If after 18 days you get a negative result this is good news.

95% of HIV infections are detected within 28 days of the date of the potential exposure.

END DATE - However, for some people, there is still a possibility that the HIV infection may not be detected until 90 days after the initial potential exposure. This why, in respect of HIV, even if you already have a negative result (clear / no infection detected) it is prudent to get re-tested 3 months after the initial possible exposure.

99% of HIV infections are detected within 90 days of the date of the possible exposure.

WINDOW PERIODS are as follows –

Information and support on all your options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services is available from -

(1) My Options freephone line on 1800 828 010 or +353 59 916 5066 or on their website.

(2) The Irish Family Planning Association, Located at 5-7 Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1 is open Monday - Thursday from 9am to 5pm, Friday from 9am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Telephone 1850 49 50 51 or 01 872 7088 or go to their website.