Gudtyms - from experience on this forum punters stay well away from any std thread - ignorance is bliss.

I feel that the more you know the less risk there is. I would like a thread just about stds where punters could advice each other about various issues.

Gudtyms, I usually go to any dischem or clicks, you can get the rapid hiv test done there at about 60 rands if I remember correctly. I agree with you on one issue, we not very serious with the whole idea of hiv testing here in Mzanzi. Ive been to other African countries with lesser hiv rates and you find so many testing centres all over the place, and they offer free testing and counselling!!! In dischem I only get testing. Anyways, since each one of us must take responsibility for their health, just get a place and always test. And keep using them condoms

Went to dischem on saturday, tested and all done in 10 min,

So i never say anything on this forum but i have been following this site since its inception and Became a member some years after. I have seen people post rubbish about true pse , owo, cim, bare backing etc. Basic sexual education seems to be lacking in some punters and wgs. Its scary. Ive seen alot of wgs with hiv , hpv herpes etc then go on to develop Some really strange and truly terrifying complications. HIV does not discrimate. Blue ,yellow, green does not matter you can get it and suffer its consequences. You could seroconvert after being infected months and in some instances years down the line. doing a rapid hiv at clicks and dischem is not enough in my opinion for a wg or punter. if you are a wg or punter you need to be well informed of these diseases. You also need to know about better testing options, cost, post exposure prophylaxis , types of stds and spread of these diseases ,what they can do and how to prevent them. A gp may also not be well suited to you if dont tell him the truth of what you do. I urge esa to find some means to educate, possibly test and treat some wgs and punters of this site and find some avenue to do so. It can be discreet and also Inexpensive. People dont seek help alot of the time because of a lack of discretion or judgement from your health care provider.
Internet is great for information however some sites are very inaccurate. ESA please try do this for the wgs and punters on this site. This website has grown alot over the years with more and more people joining and advertising. Its influence can be used to do something good,educational and possibly profitable.

Good post T.pallidum..
You seem to be knowledgeable regarding the subject..
If you could spare time..why don't you start a separate thread (strictly for causes,prevention and treatment of hiv mainly ) and elaborate on the subject..and post short bits on regular basis..
Would be good to get it all at one place..from the simple basics...
Don't want to sound dramatic, but it can help to save lives and at least prevent lifelong misery for many..
I got some questions..but this thread is already goes to wide..
So what do you say on that sir?

Did my HIV test at the companies wellness day held by Discovery. Took a few mins and you get that little certificate as well. All very confidential

@pompei i thnk thats a good idea. Il look into it and try start something. I suppose for now if any one has any questions regarding their health and this topic. Please pm me. I am quiet knowledgable and will try my best to help.

I do lots of work for a corporate that includes having to undergo annual medicals. The always offer voluntary testing so I do it as if in the spirit of motivating my employees... It becomes a company fun activity and helps me ensure Im clean..

T.palladum, can you provide some back-up for this claim:

"You could seroconvert after being infected months and in some instances years down the line. doing a rapid hiv at clicks and dischem is not enough in my opinion for a wg or punter."

As I look through the literature, 3 months out from exposure is considered definitive with a rapid test (with the 4th generation tests able to detect antibodies/antigens as soon as one week after exposure). These tests are very accurate in terms of negative results, but can give false positive results. Or do you have other credible information?

@Gary_g I agree with you on this one, 3 months is the gold standard with regards to hiv testing. All literature ive read and medical guys ive talked to support the same.and the tests at clicks and dischem are very accurate btw. Just Google the name of the kit used for the testing and youll see all the write up on it, I think uni gold was used on me last time.