STI Testing
In the event of a known HIV exposure, it's important to act quickly. Call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 (NURS) immediately for an evaluation regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Remember, PEP is effective only within the initial 72 hours after exposure.
STI Screening & Testing at University Health Services
UHS provides Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening, testing and, if needed, treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis following CDC recommendations.
I don’t have symptoms
You can choose drop-in or scheduled screening.
Drop-in (no appointment needed)
If you're not experiencing symptoms, you can drop in, choose your test(s) and provide a specimen. Test options include: chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis,
- STI Nurse Screening Clinic — SSB 1.400
- Gynecology Clinic — SSB 3.408
Hours for the two drop-in options are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Scheduled screening with a provider or nurse visit
If you prefer an appointment, book with one of these two clinics through the MyUHS/CMHC portal or by calling 512-471-4955:
- STI Nurse Screening Clinic — SSB 1.400
- Gynecology Clinic — SSB 3.408
Your specimen will be processed and results will be sent to you electronically through the MyUHS/CMHC portal.
I have symptoms
A provider appointment is required.
Provider visit options
Book appointments through the MyUHS/CMHC portal or call 512-471-4955.
I’m unsure what to do
If you are not sure whether you need a provider visit or drop-in testing, call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877.
Off-Campus STI Testing
Looking for STI testing outside of UHS? This list includes local clinics and community providers offering STI testing services in the Austin area.
Screening Results
After your screening, expect to be notified of results in a timely manner. Negative results are generally relayed via your MyUHS/CMHC portal, while positive results are communicated through a personal phone call and or via secure portal message. In the case of a positive test, treatment arrangements will be made promptly.
Insurance and Confidentiality
At UHS, we prioritize maintaining your confidentiality regarding your insurance usage, especially when it comes to STI testing. Here are your insurance and billing options.
See a list of off-campus STI testing services.
Sexual Health Resources
The clinic, along with the Longhorn Wellness Center, offers a range of sexual health resources, including a welcoming space for questions and discussion, educational materials and workshops, and free supplies.
Students can also access our library of educational resources to learn about various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These health topics and patient education materials provide reliable information to help students make informed decisions about their sexual health.
STI Screening Timetable
How long does it take for STI tests to become positive, or for symptoms to appear? The time between exposure and a positive test result—or between exposure and the development of symptoms—varies depending on several factors. Many STIs cause no noticeable symptoms at all.
The incubation periods listed in the chart below represent average time frames between exposure to positive screening test or between exposure to symptom(s). Since STIs don’t show up on testing immediately, wait to get tested to ensure more accurate results.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact UHS at 512-471-4955 to schedule an appointment.
| STI | Screening Test | Time from exposure until screening test turns positive (approximate, based on range) |
Time between exposure and when symptoms appear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Urine specimen or swab of vagina, rectum, throat | 2-3 weeks | Often no symptoms. 1-3 weeks on average. |
| Genital and anal warts | No screening test, watch for symptoms | 3 weeks to many months. | |
| Gonorrhea | Urine specimen or swab of vagina, rectum, throat | 1-3 weeks | Often no symptoms, especially vaginal infections. Usually within 2-8 days but can be up to 2 weeks. |
| Hepatitis B virus | Blood test, antibody testing method | 3-6 weeks | Often no symptoms. Usually 6 weeks but can be up to 6 months. |
| Hepatitis C virus | Blood test, antibody testing method | 2 -3 months | Often no symptoms. Usually 2-6 weeks, but can be up to 6 months. |
| Herpes - genital | No screening test performed at UHS, watch for symptoms | Sometimes symptoms too mild to notice. 2-12 days, average 4 days. | |
| HIV | Blood test, antigen/antibody testing method | 1 month | Sometimes mild body aches and fever within 1-2 weeks, then can be months to years for other symptoms. |
| HPV – Cervical | Pap smear (starting at 21) and high-risk strain screening (starting at 30) | 3 weeks to a few months | Often no symptoms, but if symptomatic it may take months to years for them to show up. |
| Molluscum contagiosum | No screening test, watch for symptoms | 2 weeks to 6 months. | |
| Pubic lice | No screening test, watch for symptoms | 2 days to 2 weeks. | |
| Syphilis | Blood test | 4-5 weeks | Often symptoms too mild to notice. 10-90 days (average 21 days). |
| Trichomonas | Urine specimen or swab of vagina or urethra | 1 -4 weeks | Often no symptoms. 5-28 days. |
Chart adapted from University of Oregon’s “STI Testing Timetable”.
Data compiled from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.