STD/HIV
Testing driven by you — your history, your concerns — not a standard package.
Most men who come in for STD or HIV-related concerns have one of a few things on their mind: a specific exposure, a new relationship, symptoms that need looking at, or simply a baseline they’ve been meaning to get around to. All are valid reasons to be here.
Sexual wellness is part of routine health — not a separate category requiring apology or explanation. At Noumena Medical, we strive to offer a judgement-free space for patients. Testing, treatment and prevention are handled discreetly. Test results and follow-up treatments are managed properly.
Dr Matthew Tan begins with a sexual history and a conversation about what’s relevant. Testing follows from that — not the other way around.
As a member of the International Society of Sexual Medicine, Dr Tan’s approach to sexual health is clinical, current, and non-judgmental. Results, treatment and follow-ups if needed, are managed by Dr Tan from start to finish.
HIV PrEP: For men at meaningful risk of HIV exposure, PrEP is a well-evidenced daily or on-demand regimen that substantially reduces acquisition risk. We assess suitability, arrange the baseline tests required, and manage ongoing monitoring in clinic.
HIV PEP — time-sensitive: If you have had a potential HIV exposure, contact the clinic immediately. PEP must be started within 72 hours — the sooner the better. If we are closed, attend a hospital emergency department. Do not wait.
When to Test
There is no single answer to how often you should get tested, but there are clear situations where testing is the right call.
After a specific exposure or concern
If you’ve had an encounter that has left you with questions — a condom failure, an unfamiliar partner, a partner who has since tested positive, or simply a feeling that something isn’t right — testing is appropriate. Timing matters: some infections take days to detect reliably, others take weeks. Dr Matthew Tan discusses the right testing window for your specific situation and will advise on repeat testing if the initial window was too early.
At the start or end of a relationship
Many patients test before stopping barrier contraception in a new relationship, or as a matter of course when a relationship ends. A full baseline screen takes one visit, and most results return within a few working days.
If you have symptoms
Symptoms that warrant prompt assessment include: unusual discharge, sores or ulcers in the genital area, pain on urinating, testicular discomfort or swelling, unexplained rashes, groin lumps, or a flu-like illness following a possible exposure. Symptoms are not always present when an infection is — but when they are, they should not be ignored or self-managed.
Periodically, if your situation calls for it
Men with multiple partners, men in non-monogamous relationships, men on HIV PrEP, and men whose partners may have other partners should test on a regular schedule — typically every three to six months. The right interval is part of the consultation.
What We Test For
Testing at Noumena is tailored to your sexual history and specific concerns — not a default set of tests run on every patient.
As an indication, a more comprehensive screen considers the following factors:
- The site of exposure
- Type of STD: Blood borne and fluid borne
- Partner profile
Herpes and HPV are tested where there are symptoms or specific clinical reasons.
Testing methods include blood, urine, and where appropriate, swabs. Most results return within a few working days.
HIV PrEP
PrEP — pre-exposure prophylaxis — is a daily or on-demand medication regimen that substantially reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. For men at meaningful ongoing risk of HIV exposure, the protection is strong and well-evidenced.
Starting PrEP involves a baseline assessment: HIV status, kidney function, and hepatitis B. Once on PrEP, monitoring every three months is standard. Dr Matthew Tan manages the full pathway in clinic — assessment, prescribing, and ongoing review. As a member of the International Society of Sexual Medicine, his approach to HIV prevention is clinical and current.
PrEP is not appropriate for every patient. The consultation determines whether it is right for you, which regimen suits your lifestyle, and what ongoing monitoring involves.
HIV PEP — Act Within 72 Hours
If you have had a potential HIV exposure, do not wait.
PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis — is a 28-day course of medication that can prevent HIV from establishing infection after a potential exposure. It must be started within 72 hours. The sooner it is started, the more effective it is.
Contact the clinic immediately. If we are closed, go directly to a hospital emergency department. Do not wait for our next opening hours.
Once started, Dr Matthew Tan will see you for follow-up testing at the appropriate intervals to confirm the outcome.
Treatment
Where an STD is identified, Dr Tan manages treatment in clinic and follows up to confirm clearance. Most bacterial infections — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis — are treated with short antibiotic courses, often a single dose or a few days. Viral conditions, including herpes, HPV, hepatitis, and HIV, are managed differently; the approach depends on the specific condition and is discussed in detail during the consultation.
- HPV vaccination
- Doxycycline Post Exposure Prophylaxis – Chlamydia, Syphilis and Gonorrhoea risk reduction
- Imiquimod for genital warts
- Suppressive therapy for Herpes Simplex
STD Prevention
Beyond PrEP, Dr Tan will also discuss with you the other measure you can possibly take to reduce your risk of contracting a STD. This would include:
- HPV vaccination
- Doxycycline Post Exposure Prophylaxis – Chlamydia, Syphilis and Gonorrhoea risk reduction
- Imiquimod for genital warts
- Suppressive therapy for Herpes Simplex
HPV & Genital Warts
Genital warts caused by HPV are common and treatable. Dr Matthew Tan uses the approach best suited to the lesions — cryotherapy, topical treatment, or minor surgical removal — and explains what to expect from each. Recurrence is possible and is discussed openly as part of treatment planning.
HPV vaccination is available for adult men where clinically appropriate. Whether vaccination makes sense for you depends on your age, history, and exposure profile — this is assessed during consultation rather than offered as a standard recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reason to get tested, or is a routine check-up enough?
A routine check-up is a perfectly valid reason on its own. Many STDs produce no symptoms and are only found on testing — which means the absence of symptoms is not the same as a clean result. Whether you have a specific concern or simply want a clear baseline, the consultation is the same: a short history, the relevant tests, and results managed properly.
How soon after a possible exposure can I get tested?
It depends on the infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be detected within a few days of exposure; HIV requires at least 14 days with modern fourth-generation tests, and a confirmatory test at six weeks if the early result is negative. Syphilis typically requires three to six weeks to become detectable. If you come in shortly after an exposure we discuss which tests are meaningful now and which need to be repeated at the right window.
Do I have to test for everything, or can I test for one specific thing?
You can test for exactly what is relevant to your situation. A comprehensive screen is appropriate after a high-risk exposure or as a general baseline. If you have a specific concern — a particular partner, a particular act, a particular symptom — we test for what matters in that context. No test is run by default without a clinical reason.
What is PrEP, and am I a candidate?
PrEP is a daily or on-demand medication that prevents HIV acquisition. For men at meaningful ongoing risk of HIV exposure, it reduces that risk by approximately 99% when taken consistently. Whether you are a candidate depends on your risk profile, your liver and kidney function — all assessed at a baseline appointment before starting. The conversation about whether PrEP is right for you is part of the consultation.
What is PEP and how quickly do I need to act?
PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis — is a 28-day course of medication that prevents HIV infection after a potential exposure. It must be started within 72 hours, and is most effective when started within 24 hours. If you think you may need PEP, contact the clinic immediately. If we are closed, go to a hospital emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
I have genital warts. What are my treatment options?
Genital warts caused by HPV are common and treatable. The approach depends on the size, number, and location of the lesions — options include cryotherapy, topical treatment, or minor surgical removal. Recurrence is possible because HPV remains in the body after the visible warts are cleared, and we explain how to manage it. HPV vaccination is also discussed where it may still offer benefit.