When you notice symptoms that concern you, it's natural to feel anxious. First, try to remain calm and consider what illnesses might be suggested by your symptoms. However, STIs cannot be definitively diagnosed from symptoms alone. Similar symptoms can have various causes, and sometimes clear symptoms may not appear. This page summarizes how to estimate possible illnesses from symptoms, incubation periods, when to get tested, and how to choose and use at-home test kits. At Mona, you can get tested at home at your convenience without seeing anyone, and after reviewing your test results, you can purchase medication if necessary. Whether you have concerns or not, testing is the most reliable and reassuring way to confirm when you are worried.
No need to see anyone. Test at home, at your convenience.
STI Quick Reference Chart by Symptom
We have compiled a list of common STIs that may be suggested by your symptoms. This is merely an estimate of possibilities and not a diagnosis. Multiple diseases can present with similar symptoms.
| Concerning Symptoms | Possible Main STIs | Learn more here |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in vaginal discharge (amount, color, odor, etc.) | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Candidiasis | Chlamydia／Gonorrhea／Trichomoniasis／Candidiasis |
| Genital itching | Candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, Genital Herpes | Candidiasis／Trichomoniasis／Genital Herpes |
| Blisters, sores, pain | Genital Herpes | Genital Herpes |
| Lump (often painless) | Syphilis | Syphilis |
| Warts, growths | Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata) | Genital Warts |
| Rash, bumps (on palms, body, etc.) | Syphilis, HIV (early stage) | Syphilis／HIV Test |
| Painful urination, urethral discomfort, discharge | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis | Chlamydia／Gonorrhea／Trichomoniasis |
| Throat/tongue discomfort (pain, swelling, etc.) | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis | Chlamydia／Gonorrhea／Syphilis |
In any case, even if symptoms are mild or seem to have disappeared on their own, the infection may still be present in the body. Do not self-diagnose; we recommend confirming with a test.
Characteristics of Major STIs (Quick Overview)
Here is a brief summary of the characteristics of common STIs. Please see each page for more detailed information.
Chlamydia
This is one of the most common STIs. While it can cause changes in vaginal discharge or discomfort during urination, it is often asymptomatic. It can also infect the throat.
Gonorrhea
It can cause painful urination, pus-like discharge, or changes in vaginal discharge. Co-infection with chlamydia is not uncommon. Throat infections are also known.
Syphilis
Symptoms vary by stage, including a lump at the infection site (often painless) and rashes on the palms and body. Even if symptoms disappear, the infection can progress, so testing is crucial. The number of reported cases has been increasing recently.
Genital Herpes
It can cause blisters, sores, pain, and itching. Once infected, it can recur depending on one's health condition.
Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata)
Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), it manifests as wart-like growths on or around the genitals. It often causes little pain or itching, making it hard to notice.
Trichomoniasis
It can cause changes in vaginal discharge and odor, itching, and discomfort during urination. It's important for partners to address it together.
Candidiasis
Often caused by commensal fungi already present in the body, it can occur even without sexual activity. It is characterized by severe itching and white discharge.
HIV
Early infection may present with flu-like symptoms such as fever and rash, but it is often asymptomatic. Early detection expands treatment options. For prevention, please see the pages on PrEP and PEP.
Incubation Period Guidelines
The time from infection to the onset of symptoms (incubation period) varies among individuals, and the following are general guidelines only. It is possible to transmit the infection to others during this period.
| STI | Estimated Incubation Period |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Approximately 1 to 3 weeks |
| Gonorrhea | Approximately 2 to 7 days |
| Syphilis | Approximately 3 weeks (several weeks) |
| Genital Herpes | Approximately 2 to 10 days |
| Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata) | Approximately 3 weeks to 8 months |
| Trichomoniasis | Approximately 1 to 4 weeks |
| Candidiasis | Variable, onset depending on health condition |
| HIV | Early symptoms often appear around 2 to 4 weeks post-infection (can also be asymptomatic) |
These numbers are approximate guidelines, and there are individual differences in reality. Regardless of the presence of symptoms, if you are concerned, confirm with a test.
When to Get Tested
For STI testing, a certain period of time must pass since the potential infection. This is because there is a "window period" immediately after infection when tests may not yield accurate results.
| Test Item | Estimated Timeframe for Testing |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia・Gonorrhea | 1 to 2 weeks after potential exposure |
| Syphilis | Approximately 4 weeks later (antibodies take time to rise) |
| HIV (4th generation, antigen/antibody) | Detectable from approximately 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Confirmation requires retesting approximately 3 months later. |
If you have symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional sooner without waiting for this period. Also, even if an early test result is negative, we recommend retesting after a waiting period to confirm.
Testing options include at-home test kits and medical clinic visits. Test kits allow you to collect samples at your convenience without seeing anyone, making them a convenient option for busy individuals or those who find it difficult to visit a clinic. If you have concerning symptoms or require treatment based on results, combining at-home testing with online consultation or a medical clinic visit can ensure a smooth process.
Prevention (Condoms, PrEP, DoxyPEP)
The foundation of STI prevention is the correct use of condoms. Additionally, there are preventive options that can be chosen depending on the situation. For HIV prevention, there is PrEP, which involves taking medication beforehand. Other options include PEP, a method for managing potential exposure after a risky act, and DoxyPEP, aimed at preventing bacterial STIs. Each of these has different timings and purposes, so please check their respective characteristics and usage methods and consider the prevention method that suits your situation.
Our Test Kit Lineup
| Kit Name | Test Items | Results In | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV Kit (4th generation) | HIV 1&2 Antigens & Antibodies | 15 minutes | 2,000 yen |
| Syphilis Kit (TP method) | Treponema pallidum Antibodies | 15 minutes | 2,000 yen |
| Hepatitis B Kit (Antigen) | HBs Antigen (current infection confirmation) | 15 minutes | 2,000 yen |
| Hepatitis B Kit (Antibody) | HBs Antibody (vaccine efficacy, past infection confirmation) | 15 minutes | 2,000 yen |
| Gonorrhea + Chlamydia Kit | Gonorrhea, Chlamydia (swab) | 15 minutes | 5,000 yen |
| Comprehensive Test Kit (13 items) | Liver function, kidney function, lipids, glucose metabolism, nutritional status | Shortest 2 days after sample return | 5,000 yen |
*Tests are self-pay (not covered by insurance). Please check the test kits page for the latest prices and availability.
Understanding and Limitations of Test Kit Results
Test kits are intended for screening. To correctly interpret the results, please consider the following points:
- A negative result does not completely rule out infection. Rapid tests have lower sensitivity compared to nucleic acid amplification tests (PCR, TMA) performed in medical institutions, and may not detect infections with low bacterial loads. Infections in the throat and anus are particularly known to be difficult to detect.
- Tests conducted during the window period will yield negative results. Please refer to "When to Get Tested" above and retest after the appropriate period if necessary.
- Syphilis kits (TP method) will continue to show positive results even after treatment. The antibodies detected by this test remain in the body for a long time after treatment, so it cannot determine if you are currently infected. Individuals with a history of treatment will test positive. If positive, current status should be confirmed with a reagin test like RPR.
- If the result is positive or difficult to interpret, please undergo a confirmatory test at a medical institution.
First, you can check the items that concern you.
Choosing the Right Test Kit for You
If you are concerned about STIs
If you've had risky behavior or are experiencing symptoms
- Had unprotected sex
- Experiencing painful urination or abnormal discharge
- Partner diagnosed with an STI
- Want to get tested for STIs regularly
If any of the above apply to you, please choose a kit based on the STI you are concerned about.
For those concerned about multiple STIs
It is not uncommon for individuals to be co-infected with multiple STIs. Simultaneous infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea is reported in about 20-30% of cases. If you've had risky behavior, we recommend checking for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia together.
For those taking PrEP or PEP
For regular follow-up, use the comprehensive test kit
To safely continue PrEP, regular monitoring of kidney and liver function is necessary. We recommend at-home follow-up testing using our comprehensive test kit (13 items).
Especially recommended for:
- Individuals on PrEP who require regular follow-up
- Individuals aged 50 or older taking PrEP
- Those with kidney function concerns who find it difficult to visit a clinic
About the Comprehensive Test Kit (13 items)
The comprehensive test kit is a lifestyle disease risk check & early support pack that uses the Health Support Pack from the Sakura Pharmacy Group. It measures 13 blood components to assess the risk of liver function, lipids, kidney function, glucose metabolism, and nutritional status. No prescription is required.
13 Test Items
| Category | Test Item |
|---|---|
| Liver Function | AST (GOT), ALT (GPT), γ-GT |
| Lipids | TG (Triglycerides), Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol |
| Kidney Function | Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine |
| Glucose Metabolism | Uric Acid (UA), Hemoglobin A1c |
| Nutritional status | TP (Total Protein) / Albumin (Alb) |
Correspondence with PrEP test schedule
| Test item | Recommended timing | Corresponding kit |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | Before starting, then every 3 months | HIV kit (4th generation) |
| Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia | Before starting, then every 3-6 months | Syphilis kit / Gonorrhea + Chlamydia kit |
| Kidney function | Before starting. Every 6 months for those 50 or older or with low kidney function, every 12 months for others. | Comprehensive test kit (13 items) |
| Hepatitis B | Before starting | Hepatitis B kit (antigen/antibody) |
The interval between tests varies depending on the situation. Please consult with us during your examination for details.
How to use each kit
HIV kit, Syphilis kit, Hepatitis B kit
Blood collection method
- Collect a small amount of blood from your fingertip with the included lancet.
- Add the sample to the kit and determine the result in 15 minutes.
- Please refer to the enclosed instructions for how to read the results.
Gonorrhea + Chlamydia kit
Collection method
- Collect a sample from the potentially infected area with the included swab.
- Add the sample to the kit and determine the result in 15 minutes.
- The ease of detection varies depending on the collection site. Please refer to the enclosed instructions for details.
Comprehensive test kit (13 items)
- Blood collected from your fingertip is used as the sample.
- Return the sample, and you can check the results in as little as 2 days.
- Please refer to the enclosed instructions for detailed usage.
If your test result is positive
If your test result is positive, or if you are unsure about the result, please get a confirmatory test at a medical institution. It is important to receive the necessary treatment according to the results of the confirmatory test. We also offer online consultations for confirmation and treatment.
Please consult us immediately if any of the following apply:
- Your test result was positive.
- The test line is faint, making it difficult to interpret the result.
- The result was negative, but symptoms persist.
- You want to consult a doctor about the results.
When to seek early medical attention or testing
We recommend considering early testing or medical attention in the following cases:
- Persistent symptoms such as changes in discharge, itching, or pain during urination.
- Warts, blisters, lumps, or sores on or around the genitals or in the mouth.
- Unexplained rashes or bumps on the palms of your hands or body.
- Discomfort in your throat or tongue.
- No symptoms, but concerned about possible infection / your partner has been tested.
Even if symptoms temporarily subside, the infection may still be present. It is important not to self-diagnose and to confirm with a test.
When you're concerned, it's time to check.
