Why STI testing is the ultimate self-care move

IT DOESN'T always come with a flashing red light. Sometimes, no rash, no discomfort, no discharge. In fact, for many people living with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), there are no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over one million STIs are contracted every single day, most of them silently. In South Africa, STIs remain a significant public health concern, yet the conversation is shrouded in stigma, silence, and shame.

But your sexual health deserves your attention, whether or not you have symptoms.

For Sexual Health Week, from September 9 to 15, BioSmart, a top clinical pathology lab in South Africa, is asking an important question: When was the last time you got tested?

“We're conditioned to believe that if there's no pain, there’s no problem,” explains Tyron Hansen, the business development manager at BioSmart.

“But with STIs, silence isn't safety. Many infections remain asymptomatic for years, quietly increasing risks like infertility, pregnancy complications, or even long-term health issues.”