It doesn’t always come with a warning sign. No rash, no tingle, no discharge. In fact, for most people living with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it doesn’t start with any obvious symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.
That’s the tricky thing about sexual health. It often whispers, not shouts. According to the World Health Organisation, more than a million STIs are contracted every single day, most without people even knowing it. In South Africa, STIs remain one of the top public health concerns, but stigma, shame, and silence continue to cloud the conversation.
Sexual Health Week runs from 9–15 September 2025, and BioSmart, a clinical pathology lab committed to providing easy and accessible diagnostics for all South Africans, is asking a question that matters to every sexually active person: “When was the last time you got tested?”
Not because something’s wrong. Not because you are worried. Because sexual wellness starts with knowing – not guessing your status.
“We’re conditioned to believe that no pain means no problem,” says Tyron Hansen, business development manager for BioSmart, “and most people wait for symptoms before they act when it comes to their health. But with STIs, silence isn’t safety – many are often asymptomatic for years. Testing is how we take control, before risks like infertility or pregnancy, or other complications ever come into play.”
Think you’re low-risk? Wondering if testing applies to you?
Hansen shares 5 reasons to take the test – even when you may look and feel the picture of health:
1. You’ve had unprotected sex (even just once!)
Whether it was a heat-of-the-moment decision or a condom that broke without you realising, unprotected sex increases your risk. And it’s not only HIV to think about; chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HPV are all quietly widespread in South Africa.
2. You’ve started seeing someone new
STIs from previous partners can linger undetected. Starting a new relationship? Make testing part of the conversation and part of the trust you’re building. It’s a sign of care – not judgement.
3. You’re ready to stop using condoms or start a family
Whether it’s a new relationship or a long-term one, deciding to stop using condoms is a big step. So is planning for a baby. Both deserve a joint sexual health check – not assumptions. Some STIs can affect your ability to conceive or impact your baby’s health. Knowing your status early means you can treat anything that could adversely affect your plans.
4. You’ve noticed some physical changes (even if they’re minor!)
Painful sex. Unusual discharge. Slight itching or discomfort. They may seem small, but they’re worth checking out. Don’t brush them off.
5. You haven’t been tested in over a year
No matter your relationship status, routine annual testing keeps you in control of your health, just like a pap smear or a cholesterol check. STI screening isn’t about judgment – it’s about knowing where you stand.
“Shame is still louder than science,” notes Hansen. “In many South African households, speaking about sex is taboo, never mind STIs! This is often due to cultural norms or gender roles. So, when you walk into a clinic or pharmacy and ask for a test, it can feel like a confession.”
He explains that part of BioSmart’s mission is to remove the awkwardness and stigma from STI testing. The company’s discreet, easy-to-use self-sampling kits can be ordered online and completed in the privacy of your own home – no need to explain yourself to anyone. Samples are collected at your convenience, analysed by HPCSA-registered pathologists, and 100% accurate, confidential results are emailed directly to you within a few days.
“We are transforming testing into a practical, empowering act of self-care so people can take control of their health,” Hansen concludes. “Because being healthy is about knowing you’re okay… and taking steps to stay that way.”
This Sexual Health Week, take back the narrative. Know your status. Protect your future. And if you’re not sure where to start, start here: www.biosmart.com.
