UT University Health Services

Sexual Health: Sexually Transmitted Infections, Testing and Treatment

Known HIV Exposure


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.

Experiencing STI Symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms (such as pain, urinary symptoms, abnormal discharge, rash, etc.) schedule an appointment in general medicine or the gynecology clinic for a diagnostic evaluation. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all STIs are treatable, and the majority are curable. See the information about specific STIs below for more guidance.

No Symptoms, Need Screening

For those without symptoms who are wanting to be screened for STIs, the STI Nurse Screening Clinic provides a convenient option. If symptom-free, the STI Nurse Screening Clinic offers a quick and easy way to get informed, protected and tested. To schedule an appointment to be seen within the STI Nurse Screening clinic, call 512-471-4955 or book within the MyUHS portal.

The clinic, in addition to the Longhorn Wellness Center provides sexual health supplies, a space for questions and answers, and a commitment to gender-neutral care, both in the clinic and through educational materials. Students can also order safer sex supplies.

Screening Results

After your screening, expect to be notified of results in a timely manner. Negative results are generally relayed via your MyUHS portal, while positive results are communicated through a personal phone call and or via secure message. In the case of a positive test, treatment arrangements will be made promptly.

Screenings Available

For the following STIs:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • HIV
  • Syphilis

Following CDC recommendations, screening is provided for these six infections because they often exhibit no symptoms, there are high quality and safe tests available, and if found positive, prompt treatment can positively impact both your health and the health of the community.

Incubation Periods

The time between infection and a positive test or between infection and symptoms is variable and depends on various factors. Many STIs may not exhibit any symptoms. The incubation time periods listed in the chart below are averages only. If you are experiencing STI symptoms and need assistance in scheduling an appointment with a UHS provider, please call 512-471-4955. For questions or concerns, it is best to call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877.

STI Screening Test Window Period (Time from exposure until screening turns positive.) Incubation Period (Time between exposure and when symptoms appear.)
Chlamydia (urine specimen or swab of vagina, rectum, throat) 1 week most of the time; 2 weeks catches almost all Often no symptoms; 1-3 weeks on average
Gonorrhea (urine specimen on swab of vagina, rectum, throat) 1 week most of the time; 2 weeks catches almost all Often no symptoms, especially vaginal infections; usually within 2-8 days but can be up to 2 weeks
Hepatitis B virus (blood testing antigen and antibody testing method) 3-6 weeks for detecting virus; 2-6 months for detecting antibody response Often no symptoms; usually 6 weeks but can be up to 6 months
Hepatitis C virus (blood test, antibody testing method) 2 months catches most; 6 months catches almost all Often no symptoms; usually 2-6 weeks, but can be up to 6 months
HIV (blood test, antigen/antibody testing method) 2 weeks catches most; 6 weeks catches almost all Sometimes mild body aches and fever within 1-2 weeks; then can be months to years
HIV (oral cheek swab) 1 month catches most; 3 months catches almost all Sometimes mild body aches and fever within 1-2 weeks; then can be months to years
Syphilis (blood test) 2-6 weeks 10-90 days

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:

Using Health Insurance
Your bill will be sent to your 'What I Owe' within the MyUHS portal. Charges sent to "What I Owe" won't include detailed health services or diagnosis information; they will appear as "UHS Medical Services." However, individuals with EProxy access can view information within "What I Owe." Please note that your insurance statement/Explanation of Benefits may still indicate the medical care and diagnosis received at UHS. We recommend contacting your insurance plan to explore practices limiting information release to the primary subscriber, such as sending the Explanation of Benefits to your address.

Not Using Health Insurance, Bill Not Paid in Full at the Time of Visit
The bill will be sent to your 'What I Owe' in the MyUHS portal. Charges to "What I Owe" won't include detailed health services or diagnosis information; they will appear as "UHS Medical Services." However, individuals with EProxy access can view information on "What I Owe." Additionally, not using health insurance for lab tests means they won't be processed at the insurance rate. Consequently, the costs associated with lab testing may increase significantly.

Paying Bill in Full at the Time of Visit
Opting to pay your bill in full at the time of the visit is an excellent way to maintain confidentiality. No details will be posted to 'What I Owe.' However, individuals with EProxy access may still inquire about the nature of your treatment.

Off-Campus STI Testing Clinics
Utilize one of the off-campus STI testing clinics in Austin that offer either free or low-cost services. This option ensures privacy and confidentiality regarding your testing and treatment.

Your privacy is crucial to us, and we provide various options to suit your preferences and concerns. If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our staff

Sensitive Health Exams

UHS utilizes chaperones for all sensitive physical exams and procedures, including the breast, genital, rectum and areas adjacent. Patients can request a chaperone at any time. For more information view the Patient Guide to Sensitive Health Exams (PDF).

Cost

The total cost depends on your insurance status and whether you're insured or uninsured. To ensure your privacy, UHS refrains from posting medical details in the 'What I Owe' tab on the portal. If you plan to utilize your insurance for these services, please reach out to your health plan directly by calling the member services phone number on your insurance card and inquire about your STI testing coverage.




Healthy Sexuality

Healthy Sexuality Topics
Classes and Workshops
Condoms
Contraception
Request Free/Low-Cost Condoms
Men's Sexual Health
Off-Campus STI / HIV testing locations
Sexually Transmitted Infections
UHS Sexual Assault Forensic Exams
AlcoholEdu and SAPU
Gynecology Clinic



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Student Services Building (SSB)

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