Everything You Need to Know About STIs
Test your knowledge, check your symptoms, explore each infection, and calculate exactly what testing will cost you.
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Select your symptoms and we'll show which STIs match
Symptom Checker
Common sexually transmitted infections in South Africa
Tap any infection to expand: symptoms, testing, treatment, and consequences.
How soon after exposure can I test?
Testing too early = false negatives. Use the table below for timing.
| Infection | Test | Earliest | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | PCR | 3–5 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Gonorrhoea | PCR | 3–5 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Trichomoniasis | PCR | 3–7 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Mycoplasma gen. | PCR | 3–5 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Herpes (active) | PCR swab | Immediate | During outbreak |
| Herpes (past) | Blood IgG | 2–12 weeks | 3+ months |
| HIV | 4th-gen ELISA | 2–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Syphilis | RPR blood | 3–6 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| Hepatitis B | HBsAg | 4–10 weeks | 3 months |
| HPV | PCR swab | 3 weeks | Any time |
STI Testing Savings Calculator
💰 Calculate Your Price
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How to prevent STIs
Consistent use protects against most STIs.
Regular testing = essential self-care.
Test together before a new relationship.
HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines are safe and effective.
First trimester screening prevents transmission to baby.
Impaired judgment increases risky behaviour.
Your Questions Answered
Which STIs are curable?
Curable: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, mycoplasma genitalium, ureaplasma. Manageable: HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B.
PCR vs rapid tests?
PCR detects DNA, making it far more accurate. Catches infections within days; rapid tests take weeks. PCR also detects Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma.
How much does testing cost?
Small R1,235 · Medium R1,508 · Large R1,925 · XL R3,305 · Express R1,076 · HIV R168 · HPV R890. Students 10% off. Payflex: 4× interest-free.
Is testing confidential?
Completely. Password-protected portal. Anonymous testing. LGBTQIA+ inclusive. No medical aid unless requested.
What if I test positive?
We connect you with private GPs for same-day treatment. Most bacterial STIs are curable with antibiotics from your doctor.
Can I test at home?
Yes. Home kits nationwide. Same PCR accuracy. Free collection within 10km.
Individual STI guides
Know Your Status. Today.
Most STIs are curable. All are manageable. Getting tested takes 5 minutes.