Testing & Treatment of STIs
When do STIs show in tests?
The 'window period' is the length of time it can take between catching an infection and when it will show in a test. The window period for the most common STI tests are:
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea - Up to 2 weeks
- HIV - 45 days or 90 days, depending on the type of test. Your test provider will be able to give you this information.
- Syphilis - 12 weeks
If you are in any doubt about when to test you should do a test now and another test at a later date. The nurse or doctor will discuss this with you.
Following an assessment you will be asked to provide:
- a urine sample (male only) or a vaginal swab for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
- a blood test for HIV and Syphilis
- a blood test for Hepatitis B and C, for people in higher risk groups
For more information about STI testing for Trans people please click HERE
If you have symptoms, you will require an examination.
We can diagnose some conditions at the clinic, but most tests need to be sent to the laboratory so you may receive results at a later date. If this is the case we will inform you if either you or your partner(s) need to arrange treatment.
What STIs do we test for?
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis B (including vaccination where clinically indicated)
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Pubic lice
- Scabies
- Syphilis
- Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)
- Warts (HPV)
Treatments
If an infection is found, you may need to come back to the clinic for treatment. When you return to the clinic, clear instructions will be given to you about which treatment you need and how to take it. We will discuss with you if your partner also needs treatment.
All treatments you will be given are free. We do not charge for hospital prescriptions.
Results
- Online STI test kit
Text messages are sent within 7 working days of us receiving your sample into our laboratory.
- Tested in clinic
Text messages are sent within 7 working days of your visit to our clinic.
If it has been longer than the timescales stated above and you have not yet received your results, please contact us by telephone on 0300 300 2016.
What's it like to attend Sexual Health Services?
We have teamed up with local charity Enable Ability to develop videos and virtual tours to help people with learning disabilities to access Sexual Health Services.
Videos are available below and via the What's it like? App which uses immersive technology to help people who live with anxiety to access places and services, offering virtual tours and video walk throughs.
Each video provides information about sexual health clinics in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Isle of Wight and provide information about what to expect when you attend an appointment for contraception or sexually transmitted infections advice and support.
Click on each button to access each video. These will open in a new window.