Our Medium STI Screening Package Explained
What are the tests in the Medium Sexual Health Package?
Our Medium Sexual Health Package is designed to provide a more comprehensive STI screening, covering nine key infections that can impact reproductive and overall health. These tests are particularly relevant in South Africa, where STI prevalence is high, and early detection is essential for effective treatment and prevention of complications. With no blood draw required! Simply swab yourself at our Walk-In lab and take control of your sexual health today.
Below is a breakdown of each test, including its purpose and why testing is important:
Full package: R1580
1. Escherichia coli O18
What is it? A strain of E. coli that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other complications in the urogenital tract.
Why it matters in South Africa: UTIs are common but often misdiagnosed as STIs, leading to incorrect treatment. Some strains of E. coli, like O18, are more resistant to antibiotics, making accurate diagnosis crucial.
2. Chlamydia trachomatis
What is it? A bacterial infection that affects the genitals, rectum, and throat and is one of the most common STIs globally.
Why it matters in South Africa: Chlamydia often has no symptoms, leading to undiagnosed infections that can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased HIV risk. Routine testing is vital for early detection.
3. Mycoplasma genitalium
What it is: A bacterial STI that can cause urethritis in men and cervicitis in women, often leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Why it matters in South Africa: Mycoplasma genitalium is often resistant to standard antibiotics, making early detection critical to prevent long-term reproductive health issues.
4. Mycoplasma hominis
What it is: A bacterium that is part of the normal genital flora but can cause vaginitis, urethritis, and pregnancy complications when overgrown.
Why it matters in South Africa: While not always sexually transmitted, it is commonly found in people with weakened immune systems or co-infections with other STIs, making it essential to screen for when symptoms arise.
5. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gonorrhoea)
What is it? A bacterial infection that affects the genital, rectal, and throat areas is commonly referred to as “the clap.”
Why it matters in South Africa: Gonorrhoea is a leading cause of infertility and antibiotic resistance is rising, making proper diagnosis and treatment a public health priority. It also increases the risk of HIV transmission.
6. Ureaplasma urealyticum
What is it? A bacterium that can cause urethritis, bacterial vaginosis, and complications in pregnancy, including preterm labour.
Why it matters in South Africa: Ureaplasma is often undiagnosed because symptoms overlap with other STIs. Routine screening helps to identify infections early, preventing complications.
7. Trichomonas vaginalis (Trichomoniasis)
What is it? A parasitic STI that affects both men and women, causing vaginal discharge, irritation, and urethritis.
Why it matters in South Africa: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STIs in women, yet it often goes undiagnosed. Studies have linked trichomoniasis to increased HIV transmission, making routine screening essential.
8. Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)
What is it? A viral infection that primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores) but can also lead to genital herpes through oral-genital contact. Why it matters in South Africa: Many people carry HSV-1 unknowingly, and while not curable, early detection can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission.
9. Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)
What is it? The main cause of genital herpes, leading to painful sores, flu-like symptoms, and recurrent outbreaks.
Why it matters in South Africa: Over 30% of sexually active adults in South Africa carry HSV-2, and it significantly increases HIV susceptibility, making testing crucial for early intervention and management.
Book with Epicentre
For 20 years Epicentre has been studying wellness in South Africa. We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for 20 years in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
