If someone says they’re “clean” and had a negative STI test recently, what should I still be asking/looking out for before oral or anal — and how soon after can tests actually catch stuff?

“Clean” isn’t a medical term; it’s vibes and denial. You need details. Before oral or anal, ask: When was your last STI test? What exactly did they test for (chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, etc.)? Did they swab your throat/rectum or just pee/blood? Have you had new partners *since* that test?Most STI tests have a “window period” after exposure where results can be negative even if someone’s infected. Roughly: chlamydia/gonorrhea show up in 1–2 weeks, HIV in 2–6 weeks (with modern tests), syphilis in 3+ weeks. That means a “recent” test doesn’t cover the drunk hookup they had last Saturday.If you’re swapping fluids or doing anal, condoms and barriers stay on the table, even with a clean sheet of paper.Want to run through your own receipts and figure out what testing actually makes sense for you? You can always chat with Gush and talk through your cycle, partners, and any sketchy symptoms.

What to ask about STI testing before oral or anal sex

Why “I’m clean” is not enough

Most people saying “I’m clean” mean one of three things:1. They got tested, but don’t know what for.2. They were tested a while ago and haven’t thought about what happened after.3. They’ve never had symptoms, so they’re assuming they’re fine.Problems:- Many STIs are **asymptomatic**, especially in women.- Routine testing often **doesn’t** include throat or rectal swabs unless you ask.- HSV (herpes) and HPV often aren’t part of standard panels.So no, “clean” isn’t data. It’s PR.

What to actually ask before oral or anal sex

You’re not interrogating them; you’re protecting both of you. Try:- **“When was your last STI test?”**Ideally within the last 3–6 months.- **“What did they test?”**Ask specifically about: chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and if relevant, hepatitis B/C, trich.- **“Did they swab your throat or rectum, or just do pee/blood?”**Oral and anal STIs get missed if only genitals are tested.- **“Have you had any partners since that test?”**If yes, that test only covers life *before* those people.If they get defensive, make it about both of you: “I get tested because I care about my health *and* my partners’. I need us on the same page.”

STI testing window periods: how soon tests can catch infections

These are general ranges; different labs vary, but this gives you power:- **Chlamydia & gonorrhea**- Usually detectable: ~5–7 days after exposure- Best to test: 2 weeks+ after- **Trichomoniasis (trich)**- Usually detectable: ~1 week- Best to test: 2 weeks+- **Syphilis**- Often detectable: 3–6 weeks after- Some cases take up to 3 months to show on blood tests- **HIV (4th gen antigen/antibody test)**- Often detectable: 18–45 days after exposure- Rapid finger-prick tests may need closer to 90 days for full accuracy- **Herpes (HSV)**- Swab tests detect active sores.- Blood tests can detect antibodies weeks–months later, but they’re not routinely done.So if someone had a “full panel” two weeks ago but has been hooking up since then? That panel doesn’t cover their latest adventures.Halfway through this and realizing your own timeline is a blur? That’s normal. Bring your chaos to Gush and get help mapping out when to test and what to ask for.

What to watch for before oral or anal sex

Visual checks are useful—but not enough.Things to look out for on them *and* you:- Sores, blisters, or open cuts around genitals, mouth, or anus- Strong odors or unusual discharge- Rashes or warts in the genital/anal area- Pain when they pee or mention “UTI-like” symptoms repeatedlyAlso listen for: “I had something once but it cleared on its own.” Translation: untreated STI that may have gone quiet, not gone away.Still, remember: many STIs show **no visible signs**. That’s why relying on “looks fine” or “feels fine” is a trap.

How your cycle and hormones affect symptoms and testing

Your period and hormones can hide or mimic STI symptoms.**Follicular phase (after your period):**- Estrogen rises, cervical mucus gradually gets wetter.- Light, milky discharge can be normal.- If you see chunky, cottage-cheese discharge with itching, think yeast, not hormones.**Ovulation:**- Clear, stretchy, egg-white discharge is normal and healthy.- If discharge is green, yellow, grey, or smells fishy/metallic, that’s not ovulation—that’s a reason to get tested.**Luteal phase (PMS zone):**- Progesterone thickens mucus; discharge may feel stickier.- Breast tenderness and cramps are hormonal—but pelvic pain with sex or afterward can signal an infection.**Menstruation:**- Blood can mask spotting from STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.- If you have heavy bleeding, clots, or bleeding after sex outside your normal cycle, get it checked.On hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring, implant, hormonal IUD), your natural pattern is altered or flattened. Spotting can make it harder to see STI-related changes. None of these methods protect against STIs.

How often to test if you’re having oral or anal

General guide:- New partner or casual sex life: test every 3–6 months.- One partner but not fully monogamous or not sure about their behavior: lean closer to every 3 months.- Only oral and you both use barriers consistently: at least annually, plus anytime you have a new partner or symptoms.For oral and anal, ask specifically for:- **Throat swab:** If you give oral to penises or vulvas.- **Rectal swab:** If you have receptive anal sex or receive rimming.You’re not overreacting by asking for these. You’re just refusing to be another woman whose pain and infections were ignored because no one could be bothered to swab the right body part.

Red flags that need medical care, not Google

Get seen by a provider or clinic if you notice:- Burning or pain when peeing- New pelvic or rectal pain, especially with sex- Persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or mucus with bowel movements after anal- Fever + genital or anal pain- Any genital or anal sore that lasts longer than a weekYou are not “dramatic” for checking. You’re responsible. The bar is low out here—raise it.