Has anybody actually been to this place to get tested?
Although, the tests seem pretty comprehensive and should give us much more confidence as we play in this dangerous sector - I was just wondering on this serious issue.
www.better2know.co.za/std-sti-testing/prices

I believe Dischem & Clicks also offer HIV/STD testing - however I am just too sceptical to go to these places. Has anybody been ?

Many organizations also do testing, but I am sceptical of these.
www.aids.org.za/hivaids-in-south-africa

Lancet Labs - usually walk in - fill in the forms - follow the procedure - and pay - results are confidential and given to you within a day or two - opening the envelope for the test results is the pits ....so far so good though. I do this at least twice a year. How many punters & WG's been to Lancet or do you visit your family Doc or any private Doc ?

My concern is - surely with SA rates of HIV we should have more avenues to test more regularly - also with ARV's its not always easy to get a script - your private Doc might assist, but man there goes your credibility especially if he is your family Doc - just how do you look him in the eyes again...

ESA should explore this and through negotiations create a list of preferred testing places and or Doctors that would do these tests for both the WG's and punters. One has to accept, we play in this highly dangerous game on a platform created by ESA. Although this is a business & although we remain anonymous- we accept this liability at our own discretion first and foremost - maybe ESA can assist somehow in creating awareness and at the same time assist this sector - I know it sounds dumb ass'ed but if we could come up with some avenues - we could contribute by assisting one and all here.

Just something I was thinking of. Would be nice to hear how the punters & SP's do their testing.

I will not go to my gp as I do not feel comfortable. I always think that it would be great to meet a gp on esa that also punts - I would go to him twice a year for my tests and I am sure that many other punters would do the same. Are there any gp's on this forum

I go to my house Dr at media cross for all testing..

Hiv/sti/std.

He once told me as a joke I'm tired of this miss C.. stop being so cautious and run to me for just a pussy itch...requesting tests... but hey my life my work as he knows what I do allows me to test as many times as I like want and need.

Crazy as it may sound i go for check up and ask a lot of questions always.

I have never in my 30 years had an infection or any sexual disease.... yes this is a dangerous game but when one plays play it safe.

I once tested and Mary Stops clinic to .... akkermans pharmacy is also not bad to test at.

Kisses
Chass

That's a great idea, GudTyms. A list here or anywhere else on this site might get more people to test regularly, as the legwork is already done for them. They'd just have to pick a place and pitch up.

For full panels I go to Lancet -- but it costs!! For basics I go to Dischem. Not sure why you're dubious about trusting them? The duty nurses are just as competent as anywhere else. In fact I'd count it as a better way to go, because they're one-on-one with you in a private room and you can share whatever you need to share with them in total trust... and need never see that specific nurse ever again. I got my HPV vaccinations done there, no problems. Seriously, anyone who's nervy about going to the family GP for a test and a chat -- just go to Dischem. They're super good. Pay cash, and you have even less to worry about.

I wasn't aware that Clicks offers testing, too. Good to know!

Most pharmacies and health stores now have in house clinics and they are useful indeed. There is absolutely no danger in going to those facilities for an HIV/STD's testing. They could even serve as a second to none opinion if dreading GPs visits, they are consumer convenient even for the masses that are afraid to visit a doctor nor visit the nearest clinic. Professional doctors and nurses are provided in those facilities. Doctors do have certain days if need to pass by cause of their private or public practices.

Talking about testing, I'm due for my visit beginning of March. This pattern of at least 6 months is a manageable period as I'm up for a medical review check up as there are other medical needs that I have been working on to improve my health.

GudTyms that's a great idea as we can help each other to open up and assist those in the know and those in fear. Spread the word more, get the ESA community to contribute useful information. This is not just for being in this industry it could help others excluded too. I believe there still are Medical Professionals on the site that can and are willing to provide information. I would call that an endless medical opinion instead of Googling all the time for solutions. I have heard numerous times how one claims to have been from the doctor meanwhile they were at the counter purchasing all kinds of medicine and energy boosters instead of going for a proper thorough checkup. Wasting so much money on over the counter medication. And putting your life or ones life in danger because of ignorance. Maybe one can feel at home with the idea implemented instead of one feeling as they are being judged as long as necessary precautions, non diclosure or strickly confidential communication agreements is implemented.

I like what you suggested. I would like one thing from you though and I will never ask again....lol. Can you visit one of these stores out of curiosity and let us know how it went. Share your experience with us and maybe that can help encourage others to step in and let go of that fear.


Well done GudTyms. ...I like!

@Lindsey. ...I agree in terms of costs as well.

Thank you for the responses - its quite odd though, with the exception of John - a punter that responded - the rest are the beautiful ladies on the forum - its great to know that the ladies take this quite seriously - this should give punters the 'heads up' with safety and these ladies should be on top of the lists for visiting. I have been with some of the current top 10 and previous top 10 SP's - some,their fees range from a min of R1500 to over R2000 - sometimes there is always a suspicion of poor hygiene, scabs and or reddish flesh marks around their privates, which leads one to wonder if they take issue of getting tested and know the seriousness of the consequences in this business. I guess an SP can possibly become over-comfy with a regular and matters can be taken for granted that they are safe. With the amount of fluid exchange, we are somewhat overly exposed - using a condom does not necessarily mean both parties are always safe. Guess this is indifferent to some punters who are on road to Hari-Kari and could not care less for themselves nor the SP's. Playing in this game, and being in this business, we have to be safe - just one mis-encounter can change your life forever.
Guess I love to play here but will and have always been cautious.
Look forward to my tests and meeting you great ladies soon...

Well their is a clinic close by where I get tested once every 3 - 6 months.
If they ask for a reason as to why I just explain its for life insurance purposes. Quite quick really.
The next time I will go is end march.

Marie stopes does what they call std screening. Where you are tested for all STD's and STI's including HIV should you need any treatment afterwards they do provide treatment I'm just not sure what the additional charge for treatment is.

Marie Stopes prices may vary from Clinic to clinic.

Everything is handled with confidentiality

Hope this Helps

Wonder who is this- 'better to know' - their prices range from R2k-R9k - yet their tests are also pretty comprehensive. I will call them and make some enquiries and feedback. Just curious at their fees.