Clinics in Port Elizabeth

What is a “window period”?

A window period, also known as an incubation period, refers to the time it takes between when you get a sexually transmitted disease and when you may test positive for that infection on a test.

Different sexually transmitted infections have different window periods. For example, HIV can be detected on an HIV test around 28 days after the initial infection, whereas 14 days need to pass before a Chlamydia infection can be detected on a PCR test.

It is important to wait a certain amount of time before you get tested in order to detect certain infections. Getting tested too early may result in an inaccurate test result, giving you a false picture of your sexual health.

If you need guidance about what to get tested for and when, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of Better2Know’s Sexual Health Advisors. They can help you choose a test at a conveniently located clinic in Port Elizabeth that will meet all your STI testing needs.

What are the unwanted results of unhealthy sexual behaviour?

Sex is a natural human function – something most people do every day. Like with any activity, having sex comes with certain risks. Sexually active women and men should know these risks.

The main thing you want to avoid when having sex is having unprotected sex – that is, vaginal, oral, or anal sex with sex partners without using barrier contraception like condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams. Having unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners, could put you at risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

STIs can seriously harm your sexual health if left untreated. They can lead to conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, reduced fertility, damage to major organs, and make you susceptible to certain cancers, like cervical cancer.

If you are worried about a recent sexual encounter, choose a sexual health clinic from the map above and select a Full STI Screen from the options provided. This STI screen will determine if you have some of Port Elizabeth’s most common STIs.

Do not delay – book now to protect your sexual health.  

Where can I get a Syphilis test in Port Elizabeth?

You can get STI tests for Syphilis at any of our conveniently located sexual health clinics in Port Elizabeth.

We are easy to find –select the clinic nearest you on the map on this page. Then, select a Syphilis test from the provided list. You can also get tested for Syphilis alone or as part of a larger screen for other STIs.

Better2Know uses a small blood sample to test for the antibodies your immune system creates to fight the Syphilis bacteria. This test can be effectively conducted about nine days after the initial infection.

Choose your clinic today to secure a blood test at a clinic near you.

What STDs can be detected with a urine test?

A urine sample is generally used to detect infections of the urinary tract. If the urinary tract is infected with bacteria or parasites, some of those pathogens are usually expelled along with urine when you pee. We use a PCR test to detect the presence of any STIs within the urine samples you provide.

Infections we can detect with a urine sample include:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Trichomonas

• Mycoplasma

• Ureaplasma

• Gardnerella

• Genital Herpes

You can filter our STD tests and screens by sample type during the online booking process. Simply select a clinic and determine the STD testing option you need. Or speak to a member of our team today.