STI Symptoms: What to look out for?

Better2Know’s private STI testing services provides a wide range of screens and tests that will identify various sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and many more.

Our private sexual health clinics are situated throughout the United Kingdom including the cities of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh as well as numerous other locations. Better2Know’s team of highly trained sexual health advisors and medical specialists will make your patient journey as simple and stress-free as possible. Sample analysis is conducted by our CPA accredited laboratory ensuring fast, efficient and accurate results.

Signs of infection

Early detection and treatment are key to protecting your sexual health, as well as that of any current or future partners. Most STIs show little to no symptoms, especially in the early stages of infection, so it is important to get tested routinely to prevent the emergence of future health complications.

However, when symptoms are present, you may experience:

• A painful or burning sensation whilst urinating
• Itching or redness around the genital or rectal area
• Unusual discharge
• Pain or discomfort around the genital or rectal area
• Blood in urine
• Swelling of the testes or vulva
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Pain or irritation during intercourse or upon ejaculation
• An intense need to urinate more frequently
• Blemishes such as lesions, rashes, ulcers, sores or a break in the continuation of the skin

Better2Know’s confidential testing options

Our selection of screens and tests are designed by Better2Know’s panel of medical experts to suit your personal requirements. The Platinum Screen is our most comprehensive testing option as it will detect the presence of eleven harmful STIs including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes I/II, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Gardnerella, Mycoplasma, Trichomonas and Ureaplasma. Your results will be ready in three working days after your samples have arrived at our lab.
For those suffering from a current outbreak of infection, Better2Know’s Blemish Screen tests for Syphilis, Herpes I/II and HPV. Designed for those experiencing symptoms such as itching, redness, sores, lesions, ulcers and others alike, this testing option requires a single swab sample for analysis. Results will be ready to report within five working days from receipt of samples at the lab.

Better2Know also offers screens and tests that do not require an intravenous blood sample for analysis. The Comfort Screen is just one example; it uses a single urine sample to test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes I/II, Gardnerella, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. The results of your Comfort Screen will be ready in three working days of your sample’s arrival at Better2Know’s laboratory.

Better2Know’s online patient area gives you access to your confidential results at any time. They will be securely reported when they are ready. A member of our Patient Services team will also contact you, unless you tell us not to, once all your results are available.

At selected private clinics in the UK, Better2Know provides Instant testing that enables you to receive your results within 30 minutes of providing your samples. Better2Know’s range of Instant Screens combine testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. You will be given a signed and completed copy of the Better2Know Rapid Test Results Report detailing your results before you leave. Immediate prescriptions for positive Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infections will be provided by the clinic.

Our experienced Patient Services staff can arrange a consultation with one of our skilled doctors before your test or after receiving your results. Your Better2Know doctor will prescribe the required medication, if necessary. Reactive blood tests will undergo confirmatory testing; if you are positive for a blood borne STI, then you will be referred to a specialist who can provide additional support and discuss your treatment options.

Book your appointment now

Arrange your confidential screen or test in the UK today by selecting the orange button; this will take you through to Better2Know’s online booking system. If you are unsure which screen or test to choose, or have any additional questions, please contact our dedicated Patient Services staff who will provide guidance throughout your patient journey.