Whenever you engage in sexual intercourse — including vaginal, anal, or oral sex — you risk contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Additionally, each type of sexual contact carries a different level of exposure. Furthermore, the risk of getting an STI increases significantly when you have sex without protection. According to research, many 15- to 24-year-olds have STIs without realizing it, which makes regular STI testing even more important.
Therefore, if you regularly have unprotected sex, you should consider getting an STI test. If you’re searching for STI testing near you, we provide everything you need to know below.
What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections you get through sexual contact. More specifically, they include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that spread through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal or anal fluids. However, STIs cannot spread through urine or sweat.
In addition, mothers can pass STIs to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth, and transmission can also occur through contaminated blood transfusions.
Importantly, not everyone with an STI shows symptoms. For example, chlamydia can remain completely symptomless in many people. As a result, you should get an STI test whenever you suspect an infection — even if you feel healthy.
Difference between STI and STD
STI is the initial infection, which presents almost no symptoms. It then develops into an STD, which is much challenging to cure or treat, and you experience symptoms.
What is an STI?
Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis C and B, HIV and Herpes.
What is an STD?
STDs are more serious diseases, AIDS and PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).
What tests are done to check for STIs?
Because STIs are not a single disease, there are many possible tests. Often, people select their test after a sexual partner tells them they have tested positive for a specific disease. Otherwise, you (or a doctor) will choose the test based on your symptoms.
Here are the most common types of tests:
| Sample tested | Disease | What’s being measured |
| Blood tests | HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Herpes | Viral or bacterial antigens/antibodies produced in response to infection |
| Vaginal or Rectal swab/swab from a mouth sore | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HPV, early-stage Syphilis | A microorganism inspected under the microscope |
| Urine sample | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, | A microorganism inspected under the microscope |
| Cervical swab | HPV, Trichomonas vaginalis | HPV DNA detection under the microscope |
Can you test yourself for STIs?
Yes, you can with a Rapid or Point-of-Care test kit. This means that you can test for an STI at home. We offer an STI Combo kit, which has tests for 5 of the major STIs and everything that you need to take the tests.
We have STI home test kit tests for:
- HIV type 1 & 2
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Herpes-2
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
- HPV
Using the STI test kits is simple and easy. All you need to do is follow the instructions provided.
How much does an STD test cost in South Africa?
At Famka, our STI combo kit costs only R 525.00. That’s substantially more affordable than other tests.
You’ll face high costs when you go for STI testing. For those who don’t have a lot of disposable income, the STI combo kit is a good testing alternative.
With our reliable, discreet, and efficient service, our STI testing kit stands out as the best option. Additionally, for more information — or to purchase the kit — please visit our website.
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