Our Women's Extra Large Sexual Health Package Explained
What are the tests in the Women's Extra Large Sexual Health Package?
Our Women's Extra Large Sexual Health Package is designed to provide a more comprehensive STI screening, covering 35 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: R3305
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Vaginal Microbiome Markers
1. Atopobium vaginae
What is it? A bacterium associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and linked to an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Why it matters in South Africa: BV is a leading cause of vaginal discomfort and can increase HIV and STI susceptibility.
2. BVAB
What is it? A bacterium that can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and contribute to BV and infections after childbirth or surgery.
Why it matters in South Africa: Found in chronic BV cases, it can lead to reproductive complications.
3. Bacteroides fragilis
What is it?A bacterium that can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and contribute to BV and infections after childbirth or surgery.
Why it matters in South Africa: Found in chronic BV cases, it can lead to reproductive complications.
4. Enterococcus faecalis
What is it? A bacterium that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal infections.
Why it matters in South Africa: UTIs are often misdiagnosed as STIs, leading to ineffective treatment.
5. Escherichia coli O18
What is it? A strain of E. coli that can cause recurrent UTIs and vaginal infections.
Why it matters in South Africa: UTIs are common but often mistaken for STIs, requiring accurate diagnosis.
6. Gardnerella vaginalis
What is it? A key bacterium in BV, causing discharge, odor, and discomfort.
Why it matters in South Africa: BV increases HIV risk and pregnancy complications.
7-10. Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus jensenii
What are they? Beneficial bacteria that maintain a healthy vaginal pH and protect against infections.
Why they matter in South Africa: A lack of Lactobacillus species is linked to BV, yeast infections, and STI susceptibility.
11-12. Mobiluncus curtisii & Mobiluncus mulieris
What are they? Bacteria linked to persistent BV infections.
Why it matters in South Africa: These bacteria are found in recurrent BV cases, which require specialized treatment.
13. Prevotella bivia
What is it? A bacterium that contributes to BV and pelvic infections.
Why it matters in South Africa: BV and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are major health concerns, leading to infertility if untreated.
14. Staphylococcus aureus
What is it? A bacterium linked to toxic shock syndrome and vaginal infections.
Why it matters in South Africa: It is commonly found in tampon-related infections and requires monitoring.
15. Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep – GBS)
What is it? A bacterium that can cause serious infections in newborns if passed during childbirth.
Why it matters in South Africa: Routine screening in pregnancy is essential to prevent neonatal infections.
16-17. Uncultured Megasphaera 1 & Uncultured Megasphaera 2
What are they? Bacteria associated with BV and vaginal infections.
Why it matters in South Africa: Linked to chronic vaginal infections, these bacteria can weaken vaginal defences against STIs.
Fungal Infections (Yeast Infections – Candidiasis)
18-24. Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis
What are they? Fungal infections causing vaginal thrush (candidiasis), leading to itching, discomfort, and discharge.
Why they matter in South Africa: Recurrent yeast infections are common, particularly in women with weakened immunity or diabetes.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
25. Chlamydia trachomatis
What is it? BA bacterial STI that can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain.
Why it matters in South Africa: One of the most common STIs, yet often asymptomatic, making screening essential.
26. Haemophilus ducreyi (Chancroid)
What is it? A bacterial infection that causes painful genital ulcers.
Why it matters in South Africa: Chancroid can increase HIV transmission risk and is still prevalent in some areas.
27-28. Mycoplasma genitalium & Mycoplasma hominis
What are they? Bacterial STIs that can cause cervicitis, urethritis, and PID.
Why it matters in South Africa: Antibiotic resistance is rising, making early diagnosis crucial.
29. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gonorrhoea)
What is it? A bacterial STI affecting the cervix, rectum, and throat.
Why it matters in South Africa: A leading cause of infertility, and resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern.
30. Treponema pallidum (Syphilis)
What is it? A bacterial STI causing sores, rashes, and severe organ damage if untreated.
Why it matters in South Africa: Syphilis rates are increasing, making early screening vital.
31. Ureaplasma urealyticum
What is it? A bacterial STI causing vaginal infections, infertility, and complications in pregnancy.
Why it matters in South Africa: It often goes undiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other STIs.
32. Trichomonas vaginalis (Trichomoniasis)
What are they? A parasitic STI causing vaginal irritation, discharge, and discomfort.
Why it matters in South Africa: Highly common but often asymptomatic, increasing HIV transmission risk.
Viral STIs
33-34. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) & Type 2 (HSV-2)
What are they? HSV-1 mainly causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 leads to genital herpes, causing painful blisters and outbreaks.
Why it matters in South Africa: Widespread, incurable, and linked to higher HIV susceptibility.
35. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
What is it? A viral STI responsible for genital warts and cervical cancer.
Why it matters in South Africa: High-risk HPV strains cause 99% of cervical cancers, making screening essential for early detection and prevention.
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!
