Can I donate blood if I had an STI?
What this means
- Treated syphilis or gonorrhea: commonly a three-month wait after treatment.
- HPV, herpes, and chlamydia: usually not a barrier when you feel well.
- HIV and hepatitis B or C are handled under their own rules.
What to do next
Finish any treatment, then confirm timing with the center.
When to call the center: Call to confirm the wait for your specific infection.
If you need to wait
About three months after completing treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
A short wait after treatment for certain infections protects patients.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
Our no-monetization pledge
BloodBanker does not use affiliate links, paid rankings, or ads on mission pages. We do not sell donor health information. We link to official donation organizations so people can donate safely and locally.
Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence