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How Long After Exposure Should A Cervical Culture For Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Be Done?

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

Question: How long should I wait to do a cervical culture for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing? I had unprotected sex on last Friday March 27th and made an appointment to see my gynecologist on Tuesday April 7th..is this enough time for a culture? I am very worried.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Give it atleast 4 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, it is best to wait for atleast 4 weeks so that you do not have an inconclusive culture test.
If you can, postpone the appointment by another 3 weeks, that way you would be reassured.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 minutes later)

I thought the bacteria is present right away after unpredicted sex?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Entire process explained.

Detailed Answer:
After unprotected sex, supposing you acquire the bacteria ( gonorrhoea is bacteria and chlamydia is a virus ).
IT enters the lining of your vaginal mucosa.
Then it multiplies.
It again has to be secreted in the vaginal fluids and cervical fluids.
The entire process can take upto 4 weeks.
Hence I asked you to wait.
Hope it is clear now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar