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STI testing · Cape Town

Wondering is worse than knowing.

Confidential STI testing with a doctor, for men and women. One R650 consult covers the assessment, the right tests at the blood lab, your results explained, and treatment if anything is found. Most results are back within three days.

All orientations, all genders. Throat and rectal swabs are included where your history calls for them.

Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours? PEP is urgent and works best within 24 hours. Message or call now: [PVT_PHONE_PLACEHOLDER]

Every infection we test for 

Nine infections, one table. Click through for symptoms, testing detail and treatment on each.

STIs tested at PVT: visibility of symptoms, sample type and treatability
InfectionHow it hidesSampleOutlook
ChlamydiaUsually silentUrine or swabCured with antibiotics
GonorrhoeaOften silentUrine or swabCured with an injection plus tablets
SyphilisEasy to missBloodCured with penicillin
HIVSilent for yearsBloodTreatable, normal life expectancy
Hepatitis BOften silentBloodPreventable by vaccine, manageable
Herpes (HSV)Blisters come and goSwab of a lesionManageable with antivirals
Warts (HPV)Visible lumpsExaminationTreatable, vaccine prevents
TrichomonasSilent in menUrine or swabCured with antibiotics
M. genitaliumOften silentUrine or swabCured with guided antibiotics

Most of these cause no symptoms for long stretches, which is why screening exists. Silent never means harmless.

When to test after an exposure 

Every test has a window period, the stretch after exposure when infection cannot be detected yet. This chart is why the doctor asks for your dates.

When can you test? Check your dates.

Every infection has a window period before a test becomes reliable. Pick the date of the encounter you are thinking about and see where you stand today. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

How soon after exposure each test becomes reliable

Days after exposure. Test earlier and a negative result may need repeating.

Chlamydia

14d

reliable from 14 days

Gonorrhoea

14d

reliable from 14 days

Trichomonas

14d

reliable from 14 days

M. genitalium

14d

reliable from 14 days

Hepatitis B

35d

3 to 6 weeks

Syphilis

42d

about 6 weeks

HIV (4th gen)

45d

conclusive at 45 days

Herpes works differently: a PCR swab from a fresh lesion is accurate immediately, but there is no useful screening window without symptoms. Your doctor maps your exposure dates to the right tests at the consult.

Read the full guide to window periods

Read up on each one 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection that often causes no symptoms and is cured with a short course of antibiotics.

Learn more

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can cause discharge and painful urination, is often silent in the throat or rectum, and is treated with an antibiotic injection plus tablets.

Learn more

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that progresses in stages, beginning with a painless sore, and is cured with penicillin injections.

Learn more

HIV

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time; with modern antiretroviral treatment, people with HIV live full lives with a normal life expectancy.

Learn more

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, often silent, that spreads through sex and blood contact and is preventable with a safe, effective vaccine.

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Genital Herpes (HSV)

Genital herpes is a common viral infection causing recurring painful blisters or ulcers, manageable with antiviral tablets although not curable.

Learn more

Genital Warts (HPV)

Genital warts are soft, flesh-coloured growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), treatable with creams, freezing or removal, and largely preventable by vaccination.

Learn more

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a curable parasitic sexually transmitted infection that can cause frothy discharge and itching, and is often silent in men.

Learn more

Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that causes persistent urethritis or cervicitis and is treated with resistance-guided antibiotics.

Learn more

Common questions about STI testing 

The consult is R650, paid upfront by cash or card, and it includes the doctor's assessment, your first blood results and a script if treatment is needed. Lancet bills the laboratory tests separately, and most patients claim both back from their medical aid.

Medically reviewed by Dr D. Moodley [DOCTOR_NAME_PLACEHOLDER], HPCSA [HPCSA_NUMBER_PLACEHOLDER]. Last reviewed 1 July 2026.

Book the screen

A WhatsApp message gets you an appointment this week at Milnerton or Table View. You never have to say why you are coming in.

Book a screen

R650 private doctor consult, paid upfront by cash or card. It covers the assessment, test selection, explanation of your first results, and a script where clinically appropriate. Lab tests are billed separately by the blood lab (Lancet). Medical aid is optional: you claim back yourself if you have it.