The Better2Know Blog

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.

It’s no secret that climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. While there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint, one often overlooked way is through the choices you make when it comes to your health. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Better2Know is the only carbon-neutral private testing company in the direct to patient market.

Better2Know is proud to be the first and only carbon-neutral private testing company in the United Kingdom. We recognise that as a business we have a responsibility to operate in an environmentally sustainable way and offset our emissions where possible. For every test carried out at our labs, we offset our emissions by making funding carbon sequestration projects such as tree planting. These projects remove carbon from the environment and reduce our company’s carbon footprint.

The Christmas holidays are quickly approaching, and with them come beautiful moments. Hand holding during snowy strolls, snuggling up by a fire, singing carols as you wander your town. These romantic opportunities are just another joy you experience when you are with the one you love.

It also means you want to make sure you are creating those memories – with the right one. Someone who has the qualities you want, treats you amazingly, and is excellent at communication. Oh, and is faithful. Sadly, even when you think she might not be, cheating happens.

What are the signs? How do I know? What do I look for?

‘ Tis the season to get frisky! Perhaps it’s the twinkling lights, the holiday cheer, or the glistening snow. Or maybe it’s the booze. Whatever the reason, tons of people across the UK tend to hook up during this special time of year. But while the shagging and playtime under the mistletoe is all in good fun, you still need to take your health seriously. So here are a few smart practices for protecting yourself this year.

Being sexually active means loads of good times, but it isn’t all fun and games. In order to responsibly take care of your health, you need to make sure that you and your partner(s) engage in safe practices and get tested for STIs regularly. When a partner refuses to get tested, then, it can be very stressful. Suddenly, you’re left with concerns about your well-being, all while wondering why on earth they won’t just go in for a little test. If this sounds familiar, here’s a quick list of everything you need to know.

This might seem like a fairly straightforward question, but the answer is fairly complicated.

The short answer is: yes, you do need a smear test. It is highly recommended. But the reasons why are complex.

Over three thousand people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the United Kingdom, and many of them are virgins. That’s because you can get the human papillomavirus (HPV) – a virus that can cause cervical cancer – even if you are a virgin.

HPV causes most forms of cervical cancer. HPV is asymptomatic in most cases, making it difficult for those affected to receive appropriate treatment. Fortunately, a simple screening at your doctor’s office can reveal whether you’ve been affected so you can receive the treatment you need and lower your chances to develop cervical cancer.

Imagine this: You’re on a date and having a great time. As you approach your flat, you start to wonder if they’re planning to give you a kiss. Then, it happens. Your partner leans in for a smooch, and you see a red mark near their lips. Is it a zit, or is it herpes? If you pucker up, will you catch herpes, too? Arming yourself with the facts about the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and being prepared to have honest conversations with potential partners is the best way to avoid infection and complications. Our quick guide will address the most common questions about herpes so you can stay healthy.

Alcohol abuse is on the rise and continues to be a growing problem around the world. Heavy drinkers are at risk of numerous serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, digestive issues, heart disease, and cirrhosis of the liver.

As we live in a world that is becoming increasingly conscious about our choices and how they affect the environment, we may wonder how our sex lives could contribute to climate change.

Condoms are often criticized for their environmental impact. Still, they are one of the most popular forms of birth control simply because they are safe, effective, and easy to use. Condoms are more than 90% effective against HIV, Hepatitis B, and Gonorrhea and 90-95% effective in preventing pregnancy with proper use.

Whether you are a fan of male or female condoms, there is no doubt that it is an excellent choice of contraceptive. To help those who may want to be more environmentally conscious, we will discuss everything you need to know about selecting and disposing of condoms.