Whenever you engage in sexual intercourse – including vaginal, anal, or oral sex – you risk contracting an STD. The risk increases dramatically without any form of protection. One study found a “high burden” of STDs amongst 15- to 24-year-olds, who were unaware they had an STD.
Therefore, if you routinely have sex without a condom or any other form of protection, you should try STD testing. If you’re looking for STD testing near me, look no further, we have all the information you need below.
What is an STD?
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) – or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – is an umbrella term for any disease acquired through sexual contact. It includes bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause STDs. STDs most commonly pass from person-to-person via bodily fluids, including blood, semen, or vaginal or anal fluids. Neither urine nor sweat can transmit STDs.
Aside from sexual intercourse, STDs can also pass between mothers and infants during pregnancy, childbirth, or from a blood transfusion.
Not everyone with an STD will show symptoms. Conditions like chlamydia can be symptomless in certain people. It is therefore essential for STD testing to occur if you suspect you have been infected.
What tests are done to check for STDs?
Because STDs 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 antigen/antibodies produced in response to infection |
| Vaginal or rectal swab/swab from a mouth sore | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, early-stage syphilis | Microorganism inspected under the microscope |
| Urine sample | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas vaginalis | Microorganism inspected under the microscope |
| Cervical swab | HPV | HPV DNA detection under the microscope |
Can you test yourself for STDs?
Yes. If you’re looking for “STD testing near me,” relax. You don’t need to go anywhere to receive a test. Instead, using an STD combo testing kit, you can complete all the tests at home.
The STD home test kit tests for:
- HIV type 1 & 2
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Herpes 2
- Chlamydia
Using the STD test kits is extremely simple. Simply follow the instructions provided.
How much does an STD test cost in South Africa?
Here at FAMKA, our STD combo kit costs only R 500.00. That’s substantially cheaper than other tests on the market.
If you were to go for STD testing near you, you might end up paying thousands. The top Platinum STI screen can cost upwards of R 5,000. In comparison, a screening test comparable to the STD combo kit may cost around R 4,500.
With our reliable, discreet, and efficient service, there is no better STD testing kit than ours. For further information – or to purchase the kit – please head to our website.
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