If you are sexually active in Stellenbosch, there is one infection you really should be aware of — chlamydia. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in South Africa and worldwide. The problem? Many people do not realise they have it.
Testing is simple and discreet — and it could protect your health long term. Here is everything you need to know about chlamydia and how to get tested in Stellenbosch.
Why Should You Test For Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (WHO, 2024). It is extremely common — with an estimated 5.8 million cases annually in South Africa (Mason et al., 2022).
It often spreads silently, as many people experience no symptoms at all (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). This means they can unknowingly pass it on to partners or face health complications down the line.
You are at higher risk of chlamydia if you (CDC, 2014):
> Are under 25 and sexually active
> Have multiple sexual partners
> Do not use condoms consistently
But even if you feel well, testing regularly is key.
How Is Chlamydia Transmitted?
Chlamydia spreads easily during sexual activity, including (CDC, 2014):
> Vaginal, anal or oral sex
> Genital contact without penetration
> Sharing sex toys
You do not need to have intercourse — even brief genital contact can spread it. Pregnant women can pass chlamydia to their baby during childbirth, causing serious complications (CDC, 2014).
Symptoms — Or Lack Of Them
Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
In Women (CDC, 2025):
Unusual vaginal discharge
Burning sensation when urinating
In Men (CDC, 2025):
Discharge from the penis
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Pain or swelling in the testicles (sometimes)
Because the infection often progresses silently, testing is the only way to know your status.
Why Untreated Chlamydia Matters
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain (CDC, 2025)
In rare cases, infertility in men due to testicular inflammation (CDC, 2025)
Increased risk of HIV transmission (CDC, 2025)
Fortunately, chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics when detected early.
How To Get Tested For Chlamydia In Stellenbosch
At Epicentre Stellenbosch, testing is simple, private, and accessible.
You have two options:
1️⃣ Walk-In Testing At Our Lab
Visit our Stellenbosch branch — no doctor referral needed. Simply walk in or book online. Our team will take care of everything discreetly and professionally.
2️⃣ Test At Home With STI Test In A Box
Prefer privacy? Order our STI Test In A Box.
Collect your sample at home
Use the prepaid shipping label to send it to our certified lab
Receive your results confidentially online
Booking is easy — just visit Epicentre Stellenbosch to choose the option that works for you.
Meet The Author
Loryn Smith is a compassionate Research Assistant at Epicentre Health Research with a Master’s degree in Psychology focused on research methodology and community health.
She has a passion for supporting disadvantaged populations and addressing social inequalities. Loryn combines her research expertise with hands-on fieldwork coordination to help improve health outcomes and empower communities.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 31). About chlamydia. https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Chlamydia: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4023-chlamydia
Kularatne, R. S., Niit, R., Rowley, J., Kufa-Chakezha, T., Peters, R. P. H., Taylor, M. M., Johnson, L. F., & Korenromp, E. L. (2018). Adult gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis prevalence, incidence, treatment and syndromic case reporting in South Africa: Estimates using the Spectrum-STI model, 1990–2017. PLOS ONE, 13(10), e0205863. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205863
Mason, E., Tomlins, L., & Lewis, D. (2022, June 1). Sexually transmissible infections: Current approaches to management. South African General Practitioner, 3(3), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.36303/SAGP.2022.3.3.0132
Mohseni, M., Sung, S., & Takov, V. (2023, August 8). Chlamydia. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537286/
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. (2014, January 23). Chlamydia: CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/32624
World Health Organization. (2024, November 21). Chlamydia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chlamydia
