The Better2Know Blog

Most discussions about STIs tend to lean pretty heavily on infections that can cause symptoms on or around the genitals. And while it’s true that many STIs cause symptoms in the genitals, the genitals are not the only place on the body where an STI can find a home.

Discomfort in the anus can be caused by all sorts of things. From haemorrhoids and anal fissures to yeast infections, pin or thread worms and diabetes, the presence of anal itching can mean the presence of a number of conditions. One of these conditions could be a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

In this blog, we will cover what STIs may cause anal itching and how you can get tested for them.

Many people that have a sexual encounter with a new partner don’t always fully appreciate the risks involved. So, many people might wonder, after the fact, what kind of behaviours may have put them in harm’s way.

One question that can arise in such a situation is whether you can get an STI without ejaculation.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the likelihood of passing on or contracting an STI without ejaculation so you can take steps to protect your sexual health.

No one likes getting rashes – they’re irritating and unpleasant.

Most rashes are completely harmless – the result of chafing, dry skin, or a benign allergic reaction. However, other rashes can indicate something far more serious.

One of the more serious causes of a rash is Gonorrhoea.

In this post, we will discuss Gonorrhoea, what a Gonorrhoea rash can look like, and provide a list of other STIs that can cause rashes.

Mononucleosis, also called the kissing disease, is a common viral illness that can affect anyone. It’s often associated with students and young people because it spreads through close contact like kissing, sharing food and drink, and coughing and sneezing.

But is it an STI? That’s a common question among people concerned about their sexual health.

In this blog, we’ll explore what mononucleosis is, how it’s spread, and whether it’s an STI.

In a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian war effort, Better2Know, a renowned global healthcare provider, has made a significant contribution to support the health and well-being of Ukrainian soldiers and other personnel working on the front lines. Recognizing the pressing need for COVID-19 testing and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Better2Know has generously donated 6,000 COVID-19 rapid tests and 1,000 condoms. These essential supplies will be transported via trucks to field hospitals and front lines, where they will play a vital role in safeguarding the troops and key personnel from infections and associated risks.

Conjunctivitis is an incredibly common condition and can be caused by a variety of things. Two of the most common causes of conjunctivitis are viral and bacterial infections.

While they share similar symptoms, such as redness and irritation in the eye, there are a few key differences between the two that are important to know.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, including the symptoms, causes and how you can get tested for what may cause them.

England has seen a sharp rise in the number of diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with diagnoses of Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia the highest on record last year, new figures show.

Do you often feel bloated after eating, suffer from skin rashes, or have joint pain? These could all be signs of an autoimmune disorder known as Coeliac Disease.

Coeliac Disease is a serious condition that can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and even long-term health problems if left untreated. Therefore, it’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition so that you can manage it effectively.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what Coeliac Disease is and discuss how to determine whether or not you may have it. We’ll also provide some tips on managing your symptoms and offer information about our Coeliac Home Test Kit, which provides an easy way to test for the presence of Coeliac antibodies in your blood.

Sexual health is an essential aspect of our lives, and it’s critical to approach it in a way that’s healthy and safe for everyone involved.

One practice that’s increasingly becoming popular among individuals and couples who want to limit the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while still enjoying sexual intimacy, is outercourse.

Outercourse is an umbrella term used to describe non-penetrative sexual activities, including kissing, hugging, rubbing, and touching, but without the penetration involved in vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex.

In this blog post, we’ll examine outercourse, its benefits, how to practice it, and what sexual acts count as outercourse.

We are delighted to announce that Better2Know won the Medical, Life Sciences & Healthcare Award at the Insider Made in the North West Awards 2023.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. What’s concerning about Syphilis is that it can often go undetected, and many people can have Syphilis and not know it.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into whether someone can have Syphilis and not know it, and how the STI can become dormant, ensuring that the people who have it may not know they have it.

Have you ever experienced unexplainable fatigue, weight gain, or a rapid heartbeat?

These symptoms could be a sign that you have a thyroid disorder.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and control many bodily functions. When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of these hormones, it can lead to health problems.

One of the best ways to measure thyroid function is through a thyroid test. In this blog post, we will discuss how to know when to get a thyroid test so that you can ensure your overall health.

When it comes to safe and protected sexual intercourse, we usually think of using condoms, but there is another product to consider – finger cots.

A finger cot – sometimes known as a finger condom – is a small disposable covering that is worn on fingers to provide a protective barrier between fingers and the genitals and anus. Though we may not think of them as essential for sexual activity, finger cots certainly have many benefits.

In this blog post, we will explore why finger cots are important for safe and protected sex.

You may have planned a special night with your partner, and you expected to get intimate. But after looking in the mirror, you realise you’ve got a cold sore.

Cold sores can be incredibly irritating and painful, but they can also be distressing because of the risk of spreading them to someone else.

This blog will review what causes cold sores, how contagious they are, and when you can be intimate with someone after an outbreak.

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). People usually get Chlamydia in their genitals and their throat. But can they get a Chlamydia infection in their eyes?

In this blog, we will discuss how Chlamydia can infect your eyes and what you can do to prevent it.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining your health. But what is it, and how do you know if you’re getting enough of it?

In this blog, we will discuss what vitamin D is, where you get it from, the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, and how to test your vitamin D levels.

Many people assume that being a virgin protects you from the risks associated with having sex. While this may be true for things like pregnancy, it is not necessarily the case for sexually transmitted infections.

Here, we’ll talk about what you need to worry about if you are a virgin and are concerned about STIs.

The Herpes simplex virus family can affect different people in different ways, and people with the same virus may not experience it the same way.

The same goes for symptoms. If two people have Herpes, one person may get one symptom, and another may get a different one. So, it’s vital to understand Herpes simplex viruses and how to respond appropriately.

Keep reading to find out how long a Herpes outbreak lasts, the different types of Herpes, the symptoms of Herpes, and more.

Thousands of people are diagnosed with Chlamydia every day. Unfortunately, because Chlamydia is so common, it can be tempting to treat it like any other infection.

So, what if you already have Chlamydia? Can it go away on its own?

In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and discuss ways that you can treat the infection if needed. We’ll also look at some of the long-term effects of untreated Chlamydia and why prompt treatment is necessary.

Having unprotected oral sex can be an uncomfortable subject to think about, but it is important to understand the risks associated with it. It is natural to feel anxious or scared if you have engaged in unprotected oral sex and are not sure whether you should get tested for any potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a growing public health concern in the United Kingdom. Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with STIs like HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and more, causing untold damage to the health and well-being of the people who have them.

But some places in the UK have a higher prevalence of STIs than others.

In this blog post, we will explore areas of the UK most affected by STIs, factors that can contribute to the rising rate of STIs, and how the spread of these STIs can be prevented.

Sex has lots of health benefits. Having an active, stimulating sex life can improve heart health and mental health, and decrease overall stress.

But sex may have more health benefits than you might think.

Having an honest and open conversation about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be a priority for any couple in a sexual relationship. While it can be difficult to bring up the topic of STI testing, the benefits far outweigh the risks of not talking about it.

You are not immune to Chlamydia, and here’s why

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through sexual activity. While chlamydia is relatively simple to treat, potential complications may include infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. 

Any sexually active person may contract an STI or sexually transmitted infection. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and it happens to many people. If you are experiencing itching, burning, or pain when you pee, you should get tested for an STI, UTI, or see your local doctor to find out what is causing your discomfort. Here are some reasons why you may be experiencing pain when you wee and what you should do.

It’s the end of the month after the holiday season, or as some refer to this time of year, cuffing season. Maybe you found a new flame at a Christmas party and spent a night cosied up together. Or you and your significant other have decided to spice things up this winter. Whatever the case may be, this is the time to get tested.

Did you know that more than one million sexually transmitted infections are spread between people every day? So no matter who you are with this holiday, it is essential to make intelligent choices when engaging in sexual activity. Regular testing is so important because many STIs don’t show symptoms. So testing is the best way to ensure you aren’t getting or spreading harmful infections through sex.

It’s always good to be one step ahead, whether in your job or buying Christmas presents. But it’s especially true when it comes to your body. Staying on top of your health is essential to living a long and happy life. That goes beyond just a healthy diet and exercise. It’s about being proactive and getting tested to make sure nothing harmful is in your body that you might not know about.

This January the annual Cervical Screening Awareness Week starts today (January 20-26 2023), promoting the importance for women to get regular cervical screenings to identify harmful things like cervical cancer. These screenings are easier to get than ever and are widely available at healthcare clinics and even at home!

You’ve been eating healthy and avoiding your favourite snacks all week long. You’ve even been exercising more. Eagerly, you step onto the scale to track your progress. Your heart sinks as you realise you haven’t lost even half a kilo. What gives?

What is wrong with me?

Opening your world up to your special someone builds a beautiful bond, full of love and excitement. Sex is an important aspect of your romantic relationship. It brings two people deeper in love, creates a healthy connection, and increases your mood. It is even great for your body’s health.

If there are many benefits to sex, then why don’t I want to have sex anymore? Where did my desire go? Am I the only one?

The months of November and December are filled with lots of holiday parties, get-togethers, and special events. If you’re like most people, that means that you’ll be tossing back quite a few more drinks than usual. While holiday drinks are all in good fun, an excess of alcohol can leave you feeling run down and may even cause you to have questions about your overall well-being. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. “Dry January” is a trending challenge that empowers you to get full health and re-focus on new goals for 2023.