STIQ Day 2026: Why Regular STI Testing Matters

STIQ Day 2026, marked annually on 14 January, is dedicated to encouraging open conversations around sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breaking down stigma, and reminding people that proactive STI testing is an essential part of overall health.

STIs remain a very real and common part of public health in the UK & Ireland, yet many underestimate how common they are and the importance of regular testing.

Understanding the Numbers

According to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, hundreds of thousands of new STI cases are recorded each year, with young adults continuing to experience the highest rates.

Chlamydia remains the most commonly diagnosed STI, while infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis continue to pose challenges — particularly with concerns around antibiotic resistance and late diagnosis. Importantly, many of these infections are diagnosed in people who did not realise they were infected.

These figures highlight a crucial reality: STIs are common, often silent, and frequently undiagnosed without testing.

No Symptoms Doesn’t Always Mean No Infection

One of the most common — and potentially dangerous — misconceptions about STIs is the belief that you would know if you had one.

In reality, many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they cause no obvious signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HPV, HIV and syphilis can exist in the body for weeks, months, or even years without noticeable symptoms. During this time, a person may feel completely healthy while the infection continues to spread or cause damage.

Even without symptoms, untreated STIs can lead to serious health complications, including:

Infertility in both men and women
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Chronic pelvic or testicular pain
Pregnancy complications and harm to newborns
Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV
Long-term organ damage in advanced cases

Because symptoms aren’t a reliable indicator, an STI test is the only way to truly know your status.

When Is a Good Time to Get Tested?

STIQ Day is a reminder — but sexual health should be considered throughout the year. We recommend STI testing:

After a new sexual partner
If you or your partner have multiple sexual partners
During pregnancy, to protect both parent and baby
As part of an annual health check-up, even if you feel well
If symptoms appear, such as unusual discharge, pain, sores, itching, or discomfort during urination or sex

Regular STI tests supports early detection, timely treatment, and help prevent further transmission.

STI Testing: What to Expect and How It Works

For many people, uncertainty about the testing process can be a barrier to booking a STI Test. The truth is that STI testing is usually quick, simple, and confidential. Knowing what to expect can help take the fear out of the process.

Types of STI Test: What Samples Are Used?

Different STIs require different types of test, depending on how the infection affects the body.

Blood Tests

Commonly used to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
Involves a small blood sample, usually from your arm

Urine Tests

Often used for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Non-invasive -usually just a urine sample

Swab Tests

May be taken from the genitals, throat or rectum depending on sexual practices
Used to detect infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, or HPV
Swabs can be self-collected, making the process more comfortable and private

Some tests like our complete STI test can involve a combination of sample types.

How Long Does STI Testing Take?

The testing process is usually quick, often taking:

10–20 minutes for sample collection
Results may be available the same day for some of express services or a few days to a week for some laboratory-based tests

Timing Matters

After sexual contact, most STIs go through an incubation or “window” period, meaning the infection may not be detectable straight away. Testing too early can sometimes lead to a false negative result, even if an infection is present.

As a general guide, most STI tests should be taken at least 14 days after sexual activity. However, some infections require longer window periods to ensure accurate results.

HIV
For the most accurate results, testing is recommended 6 weeks after exposure. However, early detection tests can be taken as soon as 10 days post-exposure. At Randox Health we measure HIV p24 antigen, which appears in the blood during the early stages of infection, allowing for earlier diagnosis.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Testing is recommended 3 months after exposure. These viruses can take several weeks to become detectable in the blood, and waiting the full three months helps ensure reliable results.

Syphilis
Syphilis can usually be detected 3–6 weeks after exposure but testing too early may result in a false negative. Because it can take up to 3 months for syphilis to be reliably detectable, a follow-up test at the three-month mark is recommended to rule out infection.

How Randox Health Can Help

At Randox Health, we believe that taking care of your sexual health should be simple, discreet and reliable. Our STI tests are designed to support confident decision-making by providing:

Comprehensive screening for multiple common STIs
Fast results, with same day results available
Flexible testing options, including at-home test kits and clinic-based appointments
Clear insights, helping individuals take appropriate next steps if required

Because many STIs do not cause symptoms, routine testing plays a vital role in protecting both individual and public health. Regular screening allows for:

Early detection before complications develop
Timely treatment, improving outcomes
Reduced transmission within the community
Greater peace of mind through clarity and reassurance

Turning Awareness into Action This STIQ Day

STIQ Day 2026 is about more than awareness — it’s about action. By normalising sexual health testing and making it part of routine healthcare, we can reduce stigma, improve outcomes, and protect long-term wellbeing.

Because when it comes to sexual health, knowing your status is a positive step forward.

Randox Health | Helping to shape a healthier future

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STIQ Day 2026: Why Regular STI Testing Matters

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