How can you be sure that you are "clean"? You are in a committed relationship, don't want to use condoms anymore, you trust him, but is that enough? The problem is that I see patients on a daily basis that seem extremely trustworthy, but they still have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

If you are really cautious, ask your doctor for a full STI screen. This can cost up to R3000 per person and is often not interpreted correctly, causing either unnecessary stress or giving a false sense of security.

My suggestion? Have a finger prick test done for HIV and Syphilis (about R50), and have a blood test for Hepatitis B (about R300). It's very similar to HIV, can be present without any symptoms, is very contagious and can only be picked up on a blood test. The fortunate thing about Hepatitis B is that you can be immunised against it.

Have your blood tested for herpes only if either of you have a history of recurrent genital ulcers. The unfortunate thing about herpes is that you can’t get rid of it and your partner will almost certainly pick it up too. Even when you can’t see any ulcers, it is still contagious.

When I see patients, I ask them about any symptoms like a discharge, ulcers, itching or warts and treat that if necessary. If they have ever had sex without a condom and do not have any symptoms, I still offer two antibiotics that cost about R200. They are both taken at the same time and are once-off. This will cover Chlamydia, among other things. Note: a third of women in their twenties pick up Chlamydia at least once.

If all of the above tests are negative and you have both taken those two antibiotics, you can be sure that you are clean!

If they have ever had sex without a condom and do not have any symptoms I still offer two anti-biotics that cost about R200. They are both taken at the same time and only once-off. This will cover Chlamydia amongst other things. A third of ladies in their twenties pick up Chlamydia at least once!
If all of the above tests are negative and you have both taken those two anti-biotics, you can be sure that you are clean!
*STI: Sexually Transmitted Infection