The Better2Know Blog

Many people put off having an HIV test as they are worried about the consequences of testing positive. Early diagnosis is key to living a normal but positive life, so if you are sexually active, and want to be responsible for you and your partners’ health, you should get an STD test regularly.

Better2Know works with the Terrence Higgins Trust – the UK’s leading HIV and Sexual Health charity – where there are online forums and discussions to help you get the help and support you need. Practical advice from who to tell and when to tell them, overcoming stigma and discrimination and supporting other positive people. The website myhiv.org.uk is only accessible to the HIV positive community, and is a great resource to help you continue to live your life to the full.

If you want to know where to get an HIV test please see our STD and HIV test clinic finder.

A recent report on Sexual Health highlights the growing issue of young people in the UK drinking the most and having the highest rate of STI infections.

The report published by the Royal College of Physicians has found that young people aged 16 to 24 drink the most alcohol, as well as have the highest rates of gonnorhoea, genital warts (HPV which can lead to Cervical Cancer) and chlamydia.

The report has found links between starting to drink at an early age and becoming sexually active at an early age which is a marker for increased likelihood of STIs.

In order to help prevent the spread of STIs, practice safe sex and make having a regular STD test as part of your health care.

A new report published in the journal Sexual Health, suggests that many people are not using the male condom correctly. Common errors include: putting in on upside down, or not putting it on at the appropriate time.

The Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team (CURT), has over 20 investigators across the globe looking at condom failure in the last 10 years.  Condom use failure is part of the reason for rising number of STDs.

Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, and transmission of STIs.  This statistic is true only if they are used correctly. The study suggests there is a huge gap between actual transmission rate, and the 98%.  This is largely due to incorrect use.

If you are worried that you may have contracted an STI through condom failure, Better2Know can arrange an STD Test for you at a clinic near you.

Chlamydia, like many STDs doesn’t have any symptoms. Most people who have the STI (80% of women have no Chlamydia symptoms, and 50% of men) have no symptoms of Chlamydia. The only sure way to know whether you do or do not have Chlamydia is to take a Chlamydia test.

For the minority of people who do have Chlamydia symptoms, look for the following – please note that this does not mean that you do or do not have Chlamydia, or that you do or do not have any other STI. If you have been exposed, the best thing to do is get a full STI test.

Chlamydia Symptoms in Men:

• Pain when urinating
• Pain in one or both testicles
• Discharge from the penis (white, cloudy or watery discharge)

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women:

• Pain when urinating
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Change in vaginal discharge
• Pain and/or bleeding during/ after sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Heavier periods than usual

So if most men and women do not have any Chlamydia symptoms you may be wondering why you should do a Chlamydia test at all if it isn’t current affecting them?

Here is a list of what can happen if Chlamydia is left untreated:

Complications in Men

• Urethritis – which can cause a burning sensation when urinating and make you think you need to go more often, and irritated and sore tip of penis and white/ cloudy penile discharge
• Epididymitis – which can cause redness and swelling in the testicles along the tube that take the sperm from the testicle. Untreated this can lead to infertility
• Reactive arthritis of the joints – more likely to occur in men than women
• Conjunctivitis of the eyes – more likely to occur in men that women

Complications in Women

• PID – Pelvic inflammatory Disease which can lead to infertility, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies
• Inflammation of the cervix (heavy and painful periods, lower abdomen pain)
• Blocked Fallopian tubes – again leading to infertility
• Swollen Bartholin’s glands – these are the glands that help to lubricate during sex, and an abscess can form on them which will be very tender and may need draining.

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, so all these complications and symptoms are preventable. Get an STD test today and repeat the STD testing if you are at risk. You only need to provide a urine sample with Better2Know, no embarrassing questions, no blood, no internal swab. If you have any questions, then visit your nearest Better2Know STD clinic to speak to a doctor about your symptoms and get an STD test.

What is herpes?

Herpes (herpes simplex) is a very common and highly infectious virus which has two types:

• Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV 1) – The most likely cause of cold sores, typically around the mouth. This virus can also be caught genitally through oral sex.
• Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV 2) – The virus that typically causes sores around the genitals. It may also be caught around the mouth through oral sex.

Herpes Simplex 1 or cold sores should really not be considered an STI as infection can occur in so many non-sexual ways – although it is responsible for about half of “genital herpes” cases. Herpes Simplex 2, or Genital Herpes, is typically caught on the genitals and is transmitted through sexual contact. Up to 60% of people who have Genital HSV are unlikely to know they are infected as their herpes symptoms will be minimal or non-existent. They are capable of infecting partners through sex when the virus is present on the genitals, causing pimples, little cuts, itchy or sore skin. Occasionally, there may be virus present with no visible sign. Herpes can cause complications during pregnancy and labor which can be managed by your doctor or midwife. There is an increased chance of recurrent symptoms during pregnancy. These will not harm your baby but do mean that some women who have previously been asymptomatic may notice symptoms for the first time whist pregnant.

Herpes should be tested for as part of your STD screening programme, if you think you currently have a herpes blister or cold sore, you should have a swab taken of the blister or do a herpes urine STD test. If you do not currently have a herpes blister then you should do a blood STD test. Your STD test for herpes with Better2Know will tell you which type of herpes you have.

How is herpes treated?

Like several other infections, once it is caught, Herpes Simplex (HSV 1 and HSV 2) stays in the body and a minority of those infected get recurrent outbreaks. Fortunately, there are ways to decrease the frequency and severity of the outbreaks. There are anti-viral medications available (both creams and pills) which can help control the infection. In addition, there are lifestyle changes which can also help control the time between outbreaks and their severity. All the Better2Know clinics can provide you with a prescription for medication and provide advice on lifestyle changes to help you control the infection if you test positive.

As HIV clinicians further their studies in HIV, a study published in Nature this week, shows that some cells in the body’s immune system are destroying their own raw materials to prevent the spread of HIV, although it is too early to say whether and how this can be used in treatment.

Scientists now believe that they know how the protein SAMHD1 works, which was identified last year as key to the body’s resistance against HIV.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, the you should take an HIV test. There are different types of HIV tests available depending on when you think you might have been exposed. Better2Know has HIV tests starting at just ten days post potential exposure.

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection, which can be tested as part of your STD screen. Gonorrhoea can be spread by vaginal, oral, or anal contact. If you get gonorrhoea, there is an increased risk of getting other STDs, including HIV, you should take an STD test regularly if you think you are exposed. Gonorrhoea is one of the fastest-growing STDs in the UK and like Chlamydia, may present no symptoms. It can be a major cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility in women. In men, it can cause inflammation of the testicles and prostate.

How is Gonorrhoea treated?

Gonorrhoea is curable and can be treated with a course of antibiotics if detected. You can receive a prescription from any of the Better2Know clinics. Gonorrhoea is one of the most important preventable causes of infertility and is one of the most common STDs. Most women infected with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to PID which can lead to infertility and potentially fatal tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. Women who have gonorrhoea during pregnancy tend to have higher rates of miscarriage, infection of the amniotic sac and fluid, preterm birth, and Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM). Gonorrhoea can be transmitted from mother to child during birth and newborn children can develop gonorrhoea most commonly in the eyes and may eventually go blind if left untreated. Men with a history of gonorrhoea are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Better2Know recently surveyed the customers who bought STD testing services on its home STD testing service. Better2Know does not provide home tests which you may have read about in the press. Often these tests give instant results at home, but they are not accredited, and do not have as high a level of accuracy as our lab based tests.

Results from our survey:

All of the respondents said that our website was easy to use, they were able to find what they wanted and that the payment process was easy to understand.

All of our customers rated the time of getting results from when they sent the sample in to the laboratory and retrieving them from the website as good or very good.

Over 96% of our customer said that our STD testing kits were delivered when they had expected them.

Over 96% of our customers said that it was easy to contact us – since receiving this feedback we have introduced a new 24 hours a day, 7 days a week phone number to get to 100%.

Our customers choose Better2Know Home Sample Collection because:

It was convenient for them, as they cannot go to an STD clinic during opening hours – since receiving this feedback we have been working really hard to find more clinics with late night and week end opening hours, we now have them in: London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Chester and Liverpool.

Customers also liked their STD testing results being delivered by email, and the confidential discreet service – your name does not appear on anything sent to our laboratory, and we do not have to put your real name on the envelope sending the kit to you.

Better2Know provides confidential STD tests at clinics and at home for thousands of patients every year. If you have any questions please contact us by phone on the number listed at the top of the page or email: info@better2know.co.uk we will respond to you on the same day.

What is Chalmydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium (a microscopic organism) that lives as a parasite inside human cells. Approximately 80% of women and 50% of men show no symptoms of chlamydia after infection. When left untreated, Chlamydia can permanently damage the sexual organs leading to infertility in women and in men. Chlamydia in women can infect the cervix and urinary tract and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease when it reaches the fallopian tubes. In men chlamydia can infect the urinary tract causing swelling or inflammation of the testicles. Gone untreated, Chlamydia can be very harmful so it is important to get an STD test regularly, which includes a Chlamydia test.

There are several chlamydia tests available: Better2Know uses a CPA accredited laboratory for your STD test, so you can be assured that your STD testing results are accurate.

How is Chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is curable and can be treated with a course of antibiotics. You can receive a prescription at any of the Better2Know clinics. If left untreated, women may develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). In addition, Chlamydia in pregnant women can lead to increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and potentially fatal tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. In men, Chlamydia may also reduce fertility. If the baby is exposed during delivery, he or she could suffer from eye infections or pneumonia.

Testing for Chlamydia

You can be tested for Chlamydia at any of our 60 STD testing clinics, or with our home Chlamydia STD testing kits. Chlamydia is part of our full screen and peace of mind screen, or can be booked on its own.

Terrence Higgins Trust‘s Chief Executive, Sir Nick Partridge, comments on the new Public Health Outcomes Framework published today: “Poor sexual health is a major concern in the UK so it’s vitally important there are specific indicators for both HIV and chlamydia screening. Whilst undiagnosed chlamydia can cause infertility and affects as many as nearly 1 in 15 young people, late diagnosed HIV (HIV tests performed a long time after the infection) causes severe ill health, further HIV infections and an earlier death.”

“These two indicators will tell us whether we are getting our sexual health prevention messages right and whether we are getting enough people through the doors to test. They also give us an opportunity to refresh what we are doing on sexual health in communities, focus on specific local needs and tie approaches in more closely with other public health problems like alcohol and drugs misuse.”

Better2Know provides confidential private STD testing (including Chlamydia and HIV) at over 60 sites across the UK. We do not need your real name, and our results are the fastest possible.

A new vaccine for Hepatitis C has shown good results from researchers at Oxford University.

The Hepatitis C virus, which can be passed on by sexual intercourse or sharing needles was only identified in 1989, and unlike Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, does not have a vaccine.  Hepatitis C can be controlled with anti-viral drugs once identified.

The Hepatitis C virus may not cause any symptoms or effects on the body for years, but can cause considerable liver damage.  In the US, the number of Hepatitis C related deaths is doubling every year.  In the UK, the number of people with the Hepatitis C virus is estimated at between 400,000 and 500,000 with over half of them not realising they have the virus.  The World Health Organisation think the global figure is 170 million.

The Chief Executive of the Hepatitis C Trust said: “There has been rapid development in drugs to treat hepatitis C, but vaccine development has lagged behind.  Yet, if we only treat existing infections, we will always be behind the curve.”  To see more on this story please click here.

Better2Know can test for Hepatitis C at all of its nationwide STD testing clinics.  It’s a simple blood test and your results will be ready within one day of your sample being received in the laboratory.

Leading HIV charities have claimed that the support offered by London Local Authorities is not sufficient for the HIV+ population. The commissioning of services for the HIV+ population has been said in a report to have “no clear strategy”. There is a budget of £3.2m funded by the Local Authorities for the Pan London HIV Prevention Programmee (PLHPP).

HIV treatment in London currently costs £500m a year and supports 30,000 people, with the PLHPP focusing on gay men and African communities. The number of HIV+ people in London is rising by 5% (1,500 people) a year, and services need to grow to meet this demand, over half of those who are newly diagnosed are heterosexual people. 26% of people who are HIV+ do not know their status which means 10,500 people may be having unsafe sex and be spreading the virus.

To book your HIV Test in London please call the number above, Better2Know can also book you a full STD screen and other individual STD tests.

Well the answer is no, and first of all it depends where you are itchy. But let’s say, as after all this is a sexual health blog, that it’s “down there”. So, there are lots of reasons why you might be itching, some of them can be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina or urethra (this is men too!) and this could be an overgrowth of your own naturally occurring bacteria, or an infection picked up from a partner who has an overgrowth, so you and your partner can both have an infection that has been passed on sexually without being unfaithful.  It’s really important to understand this in the context of itching in an exclusive relationship.

So there are some bugs that we can test you for that are the most common cause of itching, if you are itchy and have one or more of the following symptoms (even on a temporary basis), you should consider our Comfort Screen:

• unusual smell
• burning when urinating
• pain
• swelling/ redness

Our Comfort Screen is available in all our clinics across the UK, as well as available as a home sample collection, and will test you for the most common causes of itching. If you are female you can also consider our female swab which takes a look at the bacteria in your vagina to see what’s growing that shouldn’t be.

The treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections has moved on almost as much as the name we use to describe them: Venereal Diseases (VD) Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) etc.

Syphilis in the 1400s was rife across Europe and as many as 10% of all men carried the disease (which can be fatal) by the 19th Century. Syphilis was associated with the use of prostitutes and gay sex and carried such a social stigma that most carriers did not want to consider treatment for fear of social disgrace. This secretive nature helped the disease spread.

Most soldiers were aware of the consequences of sexual activity, but it did not seem to stop them. During the First World War (1914-1918) there were over half a million hospital admissions for STIs. Syphilis infection rates remained high during the Second World War (1939-1945), but the advent of penicillin helped to treat this disease.

Public health prevention services concentrated on the military and prostitutes not coming into contact with each other in attempt to limit the spread of the disease, as it was these groups which had the highest infection rates.

The treatment used to be the application of mercury which has a number of distressing side effects and was of limited effectiveness, a drug called Salvarsan was developed in the early 1900s.

Syphilis can be easily and quickly detected in a blood test which takes less than one day to run in the laboratory. Happily these days, once identified it can be easily treated and death is preventable.

Book your syphilis STD test today with Better2Know as part of our Peace of Mind Screen or Full STI Screen.

If having an STD test with Better2Know is not one of your New Years Resolutions, then here are 5 reasons why you should reconsider:

• Having an STD test is easy to do and an easy resolution to keep
• No one else needs to know – you can use any name you like
• Results come quickly – from 1 to 5 days depending on the tests you choose
• You are ready to go when you meet your perfect (or next) partner
• It’s Better2Know!

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is one of the leading (but not only) causes of Cervical Cancer. The exact number of HPVs is not known, but there are over 40. These are mostly thought of as low risk which can cause genital warts and high risk if they might lead to Cervical Cancer. Very few are considered high risk. The risk level relates to the likelihood you will develop Cervical Cancer not how risky your sexual activity is.

If you have an HPV, do not panic about cancer, it is thought that 83% of sexually active women will get an HPV, and most women do not get Cervical Cancer. Knowing that you have an HPV and then keeping your immune system healthy can prevent reoccurrence. There is no cure for HPV but most immune system can keep the virus suppressed within two years of infection. It is when your body cannot suppress the virus that it may cause changes in the cervix which may then lead to cancer.

Cervical cancer is very slow to develop and can be detected on a PAP smear test, and early detection is key to successful treatment. If you are a sexually active women and have not had a PAP smear for three years, Better2Know can arrange one for you.

The Department of Health in the UK now recommends Gardasil as a vaccine against four HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

You can reduce your risk of Cervical Cancer from HPV if:

• You are older when you first have sex
• You have a monogamous relationships/ few sexual partners
• Use Condoms
• Get vaccinated
• Have regular PAP smear tests

Better2Know is the UK’s largest private provider of STD tests. We can test for all HPVs and other STDs. We have clinics across the UK and we do not need your real name to book an appointment. Call us today on the number provided at the top of the page.

For more information click here.

A report has shown a sharp rise in the number of syphilis cases in heterosexual teenagers in the UK. Clusters are being seen in Teesside, Hampshire, Rochdale and Scotland.

It can take months for outbreaks to be identified as syphilis can take 9 to 28 days for symptoms to occur. In this time, many new people can be infected if a person does not know that they are a carrier, and have not been tested or treated.

Early diagnosis and treatment are seen as crucial to prevent the spread of syphilis. Telling previous partners of any positive diagnosis is also essential and encourage them to get tested.

Syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics and, if it is caught early enough the patient will make a full recovery with no lasting effects. Left untreated, syphilis can be fatal when it reaches its fourth stage.

If you are worried you may have syphilis, Better2Know can test you at any of our 60 nationwide STD clinics, we do not need your real name and your doctor will not know. Syphilis needs a blood sample and can be tested on its own, as part of our Peace of Mind Screen (including Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea) or part of a Full STD screen (including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma).

Phone our booking line 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The five most common STDs in women in the US are:

1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhoea
3. Herpes
4. Syphilis
5. HIV

Of these top five, only syphilis and HIV are more likely to occur in men than women.

Once a woman has one STD, they are more likely to contract another STD because many STDs cause inflammation of the vaginal wall making the blood vessels more susceptible to picking up further infections.

Most STDs are easily treated with antibiotics, but not getting tested can lead to infertility; ectopic pregnancy; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); infection of the newborn during birth or breastfeeding; heart disease; cervical cancer; many other cancers; increased risk of contracting HIV; and in some cases death.

If you are worried that you may have an STD, please abstain from sex and contact Better2Know who will be able to get you an appointment quickly. Our booking team are friendly and helpful, and will be able to get you an appointment without you needing to give your real name or telling your GP.

Better2Know can test for all of these STDs and more. If you would like to be tested please visit our STD testing website or phone to book an appointment on the number listed above.

With 100,000 people predicted to be living with HIV by the end of this year, the Terrence Higgins Trust’s new campaign raises greater awareness of HIV and generates funds for prevention services and support for people living with the virus.

Graham Norton said: “This World AIDS Day I’m putting on my most glamorous red underwear to support a wonderful charity, Terrence Higgins Trust. They’ve got a great new campaign running, Stand Up, Stand Out, to raise greater awareness of HIV and generate vital funds to support people living with the virus in the UK. All you have to do to get involved is wear your red undies to work, donate £2 online and ask any adventurous friends, family and colleagues to do the same.

With our support Terrence Higgins trust can continue to offer amazing services for people living with HIV as well as vital information and advice to help people look after their sexual health.”

Stephen Fry said: “Almost 20 people are still being diagnosed with HIV every day in the UK and it is an incurable and life threatening condition. Please join me in getting involved with Terrence Higgins Trust’s Stand Up, Stand Out campaign to support people living with HIV this World AIDS Day.

“Terrence Higgins Trust is a charity that provides brilliant services for people living with HIV as well as crucial information and advice to help people protect their sexual health and that of their partners. With your help this World AIDS Day they can be there for even more people who need them. Have a look at their website to see what fun things you can do to support. Even a small donation makes a really big difference.”

Getting tested regularly is the best way to prevent the spread of HIV. Better2Know has 60 clinics nationwide where you can get tested today. Our booking line is open 24/7. Phone us now on the number provided at the top of the page.

New figures from the Health Protection Agency show that one in five people offered an HIV test refuse to have the test.

It is estimated that 96,500 people are HIV+ in the UK in 2010, with a quarter of them unaware of their status and most likely to infect their partners.

Only 4% of the population were tested in 2010, many of these pregnant women who are offered the test as a routine part of their pregnancy care.

The most accurate HIV tests are a simple blood test with results available from Better2Know within 2-3 working days. The test is nothing to worry about, but carrying the virus without knowing it is a far more serious problem.

*Press Release*

IT IS BETTER2KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS: TEST TODAY AND RAISE FUNDS TO HELP THE TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST

London, United Kingdom, 23 November 2011

26% of people in the UK who are HIV positive, do not know that they are carrying the virus. If you are worried that you could be one of them, then you could be risking your own and your partner’s health. Better2Know is the UK’s leading sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV testing provider and can get you tested anonymously and with same day or next day results. For every test booked between now and World AIDS Day on Thursday 1 December 2011, Better2Know will donate £5.00 to the Terrence Higgins Trust to help support people living with HIV.

According to the Better2Know 2011 Survey, over two-thirds (69.4%) of respondents said that they had not always practiced safe sex. With nearly half (47.6%) saying that they had been unfaithful, most more than once, to their partner. It is more important than ever to ensure that you have regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections so that you can protect your long term health and fertility, and avoid spreading infections to your partners.

Better2Know is supporting the Terrence Higgins Trust in its mission to prevent the spread of HIV and STIs in the UK, by supporting people to look after their sexual health and regularly access their local sexual health services. Better2Know is making a donation to Terrence Higgins Trust for every HIV test booked individually, or as part of a full STI screen, to raise funds to support people diagnosed with HIV to maximise their health and wellbeing and ensuring they have the best possible HIV treatment and care services.

“We are delighted to support Terrence Higgins Trust,” said Better2Know CEO Mike Asher, “they provide invaluable support for those who are worried that they may have an STI, including HIV, both before and after testing. We provide confidential and anonymous appointments for our patients at any one of our many clinics around the UK. Our patients can see a doctor, and get the tests they need to safeguard their health. Our tests are of the highest quality available and we ensure that results are given to our patients quickly and discreetly.”

Clinical Director of the Terrence Higgins Trust Jason Warriner said: “We’re really pleased to be working in partnership with Better2Know this World AIDS Day. It’s a great opportunity to both encourage people to come forward for an HIV test and raise vital funds to support people who have been diagnosed. There are still very high numbers of people living with HIV without knowing they have it, which is life threatening for themselves and their partners, so it’s crucial people who have the infection find out and get onto treatment as soon as possible.”

References: http://www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/factsandstatistics/uk/

The Better2Know 2011 survey was carried out between 4 and 23 August 2011, 184 UK residents were asked to respond to the survey which was completely anonymous.

About Better2Know

Better2Know is the United Kingdom’s largest private provider of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) testing services. It has over 50 partner clinics throughout the UK, including 11 in London. Better2Know empowers its customers by giving them the choice of which tests to have and where and when to attend an appointment convenient for them. All tests are completely anonymous, names do not have to be given when booking and results are confidential between the clinic and customer. All tests are performed in accredited laboratories quickly and accurately, whilst maintaining absolute patient confidentiality.

To book your appointment phone us on the number above or visit our website www.better2know.co.uk

About the Terrence Higgins Trust

Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We’re here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups. We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination, and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all.

Visit www.myhiv.org.uk, our new site for everyone living with HIV in the UK, for accredited information, self management tools, interactive web services and community forums. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, or to find out about everything that we do visit www.tht.org.uk

Most people know that left untreated, STDs can continue to cause itching, discharge, unpleasant odours and can lead to both male and female infertility. Some STDs can also cause cancer.

New Research published today shows that it is not just the HPV (associated with Genital Warts) that can cause cancer of the cervix, anus, vagina, penis, head and neck (see our blog on the 18 November 2011), but Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can also cause liver cancer. Having Hepatitis B can make you one hundred times more likely to develop liver cancer than someone who does not.

The viruses are spread through shared bodily fluids so you do not even have to have penetrative sex to transmit the infection. Sharing needles can also transmit the virus.

Help is at hand, as if you know you have Hepatitis B and/or C there are drugs available to help keep them under control and prevent liver cancer. The only way to be sure is to be tested. Better2Know can provide you with a confidential STD test starting from just ten days after your exposure (our Early Detection Screen for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV). You do not have to give your real name, and your results will not go on your medical record.

A new United Nations report has found that AIDS / HIV related deaths are falling across the globe with advances in treatment of the condition. The number of people living with HIV is increasing and is now affecting 34 million people around the world, half of whom are women.

In Western Europe and North America where there is very high availability of antiretroviral drugs, the rates of new infections has not fallen as hoped, possibly because people are no longer worried about the virus as it no longer considered fatal.

Practising safer sex and STD testing are needed to help prevent spreading the disease.

Many people know that the genital human papillomavirus (HPV) can be sexually transmitted and can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. New studies are showing that HPV also has been associated with other types of cancers, including vaginal, vulva, penile, anal, and some head and neck cancers which affect both men and women.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that every year more than 17,300 HPV-associated cancers occur in women, and up to 7,600 HPV-associated cancers occur in men. The most common HPV-related cancer in women is cervical cancer, while the most common HPV-related cancer in men is head and neck.

There are over 100 different types of HPV, and Better2Know can test for all of them. Book your confidential appointment today at anyone of our 60 nationwide clinics. You do not have to give your real name and the test and the result will not appear on your medical record.

Many countries require an HIV Certificate as part of their entry requirements for visas. This is normally for a work visa and is will be needed when you are applying for your visa. Better2Know can provide the certificate you need after your HIV Test.

If you have been advised that you need an HIV Certificate for your visa, then we can provide the HIV Certificate you need at all of our clinics.

If you choose to have an instant HIV test, then the certificate will be ready on the same day. We have centres in London where instant tests are available which will be convenient if you are going to the embassy yourself. Otherwise your HIV Certificate will be available when your results are known: within two to three working days of your test.

Countries where an HIV Certificate can be required as part of the visa application include: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and most other former Soviet states, Saudi Arabia, China, Brunei and Singapore. The list of countries is increasing all the time, so please check your entry requirements.

In addition, many people need an HIV certificate for professional reasons: gas, oil and off shore workers, security personnel and some sports including boxing. We are able to provide HIV tests and certificates for all these occupations. If you have any questions please contact our booking team who will be happy to help.

If you need an HIV Certificate, please let our booking team know when you book, so that your HIV Certificate will be ready as soon as possible. Please contact us today on the number above lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can arrange corporate billing for more than 10 patients.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) strikes anyone – young and old, the rich or poor, the famous and unknowns. The nameless victims who get infected go unnoticed, but celebrities who do always get the world’s attention. This is a list of the top 10 celebrities who are known to have or to have had the virus known as HIV, including those who have died (whether from AIDS or another cause).

1. Rock Hudson – Iconic Hollywood leading man, the first major American celebrity whose AIDS diagnosis was made public. Unquestionably, he was one of the most popular and well-known movie stars of his time. The public got a double shock when it was revealed he had AIDS and was gay. In 1985, Hudson died at the age of 59.

2. Freddie Mercury – Queen’s lead singer noted for his vocal abilities and his charisma. His death led to The Mercury Phoenix Trust anti-AIDS charity and the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness. Died in 1991 at the age of 45 and was inducted into Rock and Roll’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

3. Liberace – Flamboyant Las Vegas singer and piano player known for candelabras, lavish costumes, exotic cars and kitchy homes. In the ’70s and 80s, Liberace was a major box office attraction in Las Vegas. In 1987, he died due to complications from AIDS.

4. Arthur Ashe – one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Was the first African-American to win a Grand Slam and he went on to collect three. Ashe transcended tennis to become a social activist who led public protests against apartheid in South Africa; became infected with HIV via transfusion during heart surgery. This Tennis Hall of Famer died in 1993 at the age of 49.

5. Isaac Asimov – famous science fiction writer and biochemist. Two of his works were turned into highly successful films – I, Robot and Bicentennial Man. Asimov, who was also popular for his science books, became infected by transfused blood during heart surgery.

6. Earvin “Magic” Johnson – One of the greatest NBA players of all time, Johnson is widely considered as the best point guard ever to play the game. Since publicly announcing he had been infected with the virus HIV, Johnson continues to be an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex.

7. Greg Louganis – Olympic gold medalist in diving. Was the most outstanding amateur athlete in 1984 and went on to win back-to-back Olympic golds in both the 3m and 10m diving events. Following the announcement of his HIV status in 1995, Louganis was dropped by majority of his corporate sponsors. Since retiring from diving, Louganis has ventured into acting mostly in off-Broadway plays.

8. Tommy Morrison – world champion boxer better known for his role as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V. In 1996 it was revealed he was HIV-positive which automatically retired him from boxing as a competitor. Currently, he is pursuing a career in Mixed Martial Arts and is trying to mount a comeback in boxing.

9. Ryan White – expelled from high school because of his infection which he got from contaminated blood during treatment. White, who was a hemophiliac, became a poster child for HIV/AIDS at a time when the public knew very little about the disease. White made many celebrity friends including Michael Jackson whose song “Gone Too Soon” was a tribute to the teenage AIDS victim. White died in 1990 at a young age of 18.

10. Esteban De Jesus – a world lightweight champion boxer from Puerto Rico. Famous for his trilogy with Roberto Duran, “Vita” had a life full of controversy, problems and scandals. Sentenced to life in jail for murder, he became a preacher and started to turn his life around. De Jesus acquired HIV and succumbed to full-blown AIDS in 1989.

When you think about the celebrities on this list, appreciate the importance of practicing safer sex. It is an effective way to prevent yourself or your partner from getting the HIV virus or other STDs. Click here to learn more about HIV/AIDS.

To book your HIV Test phone the number above now lines open 24 hours a day 7 days a week or visit the Better2Know website to find your nearest clinic.

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is today launching its new World AIDS Day campaign, Stand Up, Stand Out, and asking people nationwide to ‘show us their undies’ to support people living with HIV.

Almost 20 people are still being diagnosed with HIV every day in the UK and it is an incurable and life threatening condition. With close to 100,000 people now living with the infection and numbers increasing every year, Terrence Higgins Trust is asking people to Stand Up, Stand Out to raise greater awareness of HIV and vital funds for HIV prevention services and support for people living with the virus.

It’s easy to get involved with the campaign and people can take part in a variety of different ways:

Stand Out in red underwear and donate £2 to Terrence Higgins Trust. Be as loud and proud as you like, showing just a hint of red over your jeans or a full ‘underwear as outerwear’ look. Get work colleagues, friends and family in on the act to raise vital funds for people living with HIV.

Get well ‘red’ about HIV: Separate the myths from the facts and find out more information about HIV to protect yourself and your partner- Terrence Higgins Trust’s Stand Up, Stand Out HIV Fastfacts are available on: www.tht.org.uk/fastfacts

Wear your red ribbon with pride: Wear yours in the lead up to December to remember those who have died with AIDS. You can also sell them to friends, family and colleagues to raise funds to support Terrence Higgins Trust and people living with HIV. Phone: 020 7812 1671 to order your free box of red ribbons.

Write to your local MP: Stand Up and be counted by joining Terrence Higgins Trust’s online campaigning community to encourage your MP to support HIV prevention and keep HIV on the local and national agenda. Click here to write to your local MP: www.tht.org.uk/mp

THT’s Executive Director of Fundraising, Genevieve Edwards, said: “For nearly 30 years Terrence Higgins Trust has been at the very heart of the HIV epidemic, supporting people living with, or at risk of, the virus. With your support this December we can reach out to even more people who need us.

“Please Stand Up, Stand Out to increase awareness about HIV, including how to protect yourself and your partner from the infection, and raise vital funds for Terrence Higgins Trust’s prevention services and support for people living with the virus. HIV is still on the increase and we need to act now to prevent further infections.”

A press release from the Terrence Higgins Trust today:

Some of the nation’s best loved agony aunts – Gill Cox, Tracey Cox, Jenni Trent-Hughes, Emma Marlin, Susan Quilliam, Denise Robertson, Deidre Sanders, Dr Pam Spurr and Zelda West-Meads – have come together to support sexual health charities Brook, FPA (Family Planning Association), Terrence Higgins Trust, and MedFASH in their call to protect vital sexual health services.

The agony aunts and charities are calling for the Government and decision-makers to maintain their commitment to the nation’s sexual health to prevent it going into a sharp decline.

Despite considerable progress, the UK still has a worrying sexual health record with some of the worst sexually transmitted infection rates in Western Europe. There’s been a steady increase between 2008 and 2010 in Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes diagnoses and HIV is still one of the fastest growing serious health conditions in the UK.

Charities Brook, FPA, Terrence Higgins Trust, and MedFASH support the sexual health needs of thousands of people in the UK, every day, with wide-ranging, personalised services focused on contraception, pregnancy choices and sexually transmitted infection prevention and testing as well as information, care and support.

All of these charities have recently lost services integral to local communities’ needs, including Brook’s young people’s sexual health services in Stockton, Terrence Higgins Trust’s HIV prevention services in Wales and the FPA Speakeasy parenting, sex and relationships education programme in England. Other charitable and NHS services are facing an uncertain future.

In light of these cuts, the coalition of agony aunts and charities are calling for sexual health services to be improved and expanded rather than cut or reduced. A statement from the group says: “During economic uncertainty, sexual health services are often seen as easy targets – they’re more likely to go first or lose more of their funding compared to others. Good sexual health is essential to physical and mental health as well as positive relationships, self-esteem and self-identity and personal responsibility. We’re here to remind decision makers that sexual health services must be protected.

To see the full article, please click here.

A new report says that the cost of keeping people in the developing world on drugs to help them fight the HIV virus is less than the increase in productivity they bring to the economy.

Read the full article here.

The Consultant Thoracic Specialist, Prof Margaret Johnson, discusses the prevalence, symptoms and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the UK today.

As you may be aware, 26% of people living with HIV in the UK do not know that they are infected. However, with treatment here being superior to countries such as the USA, 90% of UK-based patients had an undetectable viral load only one year after starting therapy.

Prof Margaret Johnson is encouraging doctors in the UK to consider HIV infection in general practice, as well as secondary care, in order to prevent late diagnosis. She proposes that it is essential that all healthcare professionals should offer HIV antibody testing routinely to their patients, particularly those who are in a high prevalence group.

About our Medical Expert

Professor Margaret Johnson is one of the most pre-eminent experts in the treatment of HIV. She set up the first and largest open-access HIV clinic in the UK at the Royal Free NHS Trust where she is currently Clinical Director of HIV services.