Knowledge Centre · Patient guide
STI and HIV Testing: What to Know Before You Book
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea often cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know. What we test for, how it works, what it costs, and how to book a private test.
Sexually transmitted infections are common, and many of them are quiet. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea often cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know. A test is quick, and most infections are easier to treat the earlier they are found.
When a test makes sense
You do not need symptoms to have a test. It is worth booking one if:
- you have a new partner, or your partner has had other partners
- a condom broke or was not used
- you are planning a pregnancy, or you are pregnant
- you simply want to know where you stand
Book sooner if you notice any of these:
- an unusual discharge from the vagina
- pain or burning when you pass urine
- bleeding after sex or between periods
- pain in your lower tummy or during sex
- a sore, ulcer or rash in the genital area
What we test for
We offer testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and high-risk HPV, one at a time or as a full screen. At your consultation we help you choose the tests that fit your situation, so you do not pay for tests you do not need.
How it works
You see a clinician who practises to the Network One Health clinical standard, for a routine consultation. Depending on the tests you choose, you give a urine sample or a swab, a blood sample, or both. Your clinician explains what each test looks for and how you will receive your results.
What it costs
The test is done as part of a routine consultation. The laboratory bills you directly for the tests you choose, so the cost depends on which tests you need. We will tell you which tests we recommend before any sample is taken.
Your privacy
Your test and your results are private and confidential.
If a result comes back positive
A positive result means you are infected. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics. HIV and hepatitis B cannot be cured yet, but treatment keeps people well and protects their partners. Your clinician will talk you through treatment, and through when and how to let recent partners know so that they can be tested too.
Left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can spread to the womb and fallopian tubes. That can cause long-term pelvic pain and can affect fertility later. This is the main reason a test is worth having even when you feel well.
Where to be tested
Testing is available at all our centres, by appointment: Woodmead and Modderfontein in Johannesburg, and Health Connect in Pretoria. Ask us to call you and we will book a time that suits you.
When it cannot wait
If you have severe pain in your lower tummy with a fever, or you feel very unwell, go to your nearest hospital emergency unit immediately, or call 10177.
Sources and guidance
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) fact sheet, World Health Organization (WHO)
- Chlamydia, NHS
- Gonorrhoea, NHS
Your next step
Testing is done during a routine consultation, privately, at any of our centres:
Prices are what you pay, not an estimate. We confirm your own fee after a short eligibility and affordability check, and there is no obligation.
Rather just talk it through?
Tell us what you have read and what you are worried about. We call you back. You do not need a referral, and nothing is booked until you say so.
We call back Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, usually the same working day.