The Better2Know Blog

We often associate the abbreviation ‘UTI’ with feeling uncomfortable down below and needing to urinate, a lot. But what actually is a UTI? What causes it, and how can it be prevented? Here, we answer some commonly asked questions about UTIs. It’s time to get clued up.

If you are travelling to China, it is now a requirement to have proof of two negative Covid-19 tests – a PCR swab test and an IgM antibody test – within 48 hours prior to flight departure. These control measures have been introduced to “reduce cross-border transmission of Covid-19 and protect the health and safety of passengers.” Find out more about how we can get you tested for your journey to China.

Our Covid-19 finger-prick home test kit is back. This convenient home sample collection kit enables you to collect your blood sample at home and send it by post to our laboratory. Find out more about our new and improved finger-prick home sample collection kit.

Better2Know is a leading provider of sexual health and Covid-19 testing in the UK. Our discreet and confidential service helps thousands of patients to get the answers they need. We are here to help you, too. Find out more about what our patients think.

Although there is no cure for HIV, early detection and effective treatment can enable a person with HIV to lead a normal life. However, if HIV is left untreated, it can advance through four serious stages. Therefore, it is important to get tested for HIV if you are concerned that you may have been at risk.

Around 9% of menstruating women experiencing bleeding after sex [1]. Often, there is no need to worry. However, bleeding after sex can indicate a more serious health condition. You should speak to a doctor and explore the possible causes if you are concerned.

Noticing a sign of Herpes can be worrying, but don’t panic. It is easy to mistake Herpes for something else. Here, we explain the other potential causes for Herpes-like symptoms and how to find out if it is Herpes, or not.

Amongst all the madness, the Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the human need for physical interaction. The Government has recently announced that those in an established relationship no longer need to socially distance – provided that you do not live in a local lockdown area.

Researchers have estimated that cases of recurrent Thrush may increase, affecting 158 million people by 2030. With Thrush and STIs presenting extremely similar symptoms – how will you know which one is causing you discomfort?

At this moment in time, prioritising your health is the most important thing you can do. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Better2Know recognises our responsibility in helping people to look after their health. Here, we explain the coronavirus tests we currently provide and how we can help you.

Big news. A CE marked, Covid-19 quantitative antibody finger-prick test has been developed through leading-edge research at Imperial College, London. You may be wondering what a quantitative test is, and why you should consider choosing this antibody test. Here, we explain the benefits of this test, in comparison to other antibody tests currently available in the UK.

With the prospect of travelling abroad on the horizon, you may be wondering whether you need to be tested for Covid-19. Upon boarding your flight or entering another country, you may be requested to provide a certificate to show that you are not currently infected and are fit to fly. Whether you are planning a holiday or already have a trip booked, Better2Know can get you tested for coronavirus, provide you with your certificate and send you on your way.

Would you consider yourself a sexpert, or does your knowledge about sexual health need a refresh? Misbeliefs around sexual health can have damaging consequences. Better2Know are here to bust the myths and get the facts straight.

Currently the news right now is filled entirely with coronavirus, or Covid-19.  It surrounds us completely through information boards, increased police and roaring sirens in the distance.  It is hard to think about anything else during lockdown as most of us have very little else to do. 

If you are concerned about your sexual health, don’t wait around. Our Home Sample Collection Kits provide a quick and easy alternative to a clinic visit. Choose your test online, collect your samples at home and send to our lab. Simple! But which test or screen is right for you?

The coronavirus pandemic continues to change our everyday lives in ways we could have never imagined. Future plans, normal day-to-day activities, thoughts, feelings and relationships are all up in the air. But how is Covid-19 affecting sex?

The rate of Covid-19 (coronavirus) infection in the UK continues to increase rapidly every day. Better2Know are now offering two different testing methods for Covid-19. While both tests are accurate and useful, it is important that you choose the test which is right for you. Here, we explain the differences between our Covid-19 tests.

At this moment in time, prioritising your health is the most important thing you can do. With Covid-19 spreading so quickly, Better2Know recognises our responsibility in helping people look after their health. We are the first private healthcare company to offer Covid-19 testing. Here’s how we can help you.

Technology and sexual health are two topics which do not traditionally go hand in hand. However, along with many other aspects of society, digitisation has benefits in shaping the way in which we live. At Better2Know, we are several steps ahead – we provide you with 24/7 online results reporting, a Photo Consultation Service and our anonymous Partner Notification System, amongst other digital perks.

All STIs and STDs are passed sexually, right?

Wrong.

In addition to transmission through sexual intercourse, there are other ways in which infections can be passed which you should be aware of. Whether an STI is passed sexually or non-sexually, it will have the same consequences if left untreated.

Although transmitted in different ways, Syphilis and Lyme Disease share several characteristics. Symptoms, treatment and long-term health complications to name a few. Here we discuss the main differences and similarities between these two bacterial infections.

Research suggests that many women in the UK have ‘poor’ sexual health, markedly worse than men. Those considered to have ‘good’ sexual health – a low probability of any sexual health problems – consisted of 83% of men but only 52% of women. The study concluded that women have a wider range of issues surrounding sexual health.

For most people, testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can feel daunting. You may be thinking ‘What do I do now?’, ‘Who should I tell?’, ‘How do I get rid of it?’. There are several sensible steps you should take following a positive STI test result.

In many cases, vaginal discharge is normal. Any significant change in the colour, odour, consistency or amount of discharge, however, can indicate that it may be time for an STI test. There are signs to look out for which may suggest either abnormal or normal reasons for variations in discharge. If you are worried that yours is abnormal and you may have been at risk of an STI, it is always a good idea to get tested.

There is often a misunderstanding about which STIs women who have sex with women (WSW) are at risk of and how these STIs are passed. Firstly, it is important to understand that lesbian and bisexual women are not immune to STIs. This means that you should get tested if you may have been at risk.

Research suggests that many individuals are now turning to social media and online platforms to obtain a ‘crowd-diagnosis’. [1] This can lead to misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment and further spread of infection. The only way to know whether you have an STI is to get tested.

Since 1988, World AIDS Day takes place on the 1^st December every year to support those who are living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS. [1] Each year, a theme is set for World AIDS Day. This year the theme is ‘Communities make the difference’ – emphasising the essential role that communities play in the AIDS response at local, national and international levels. [2]

Whilst discharge coming from your penis may be alarming, there isn’t necessarily a need to panic. There are several other reasons why discharge may occur, other than STIs. However, if you are at risk of an STI, it is always a good idea to get tested. Unusual discharge could indicate a need to visit a sexual health clinic.

Testing for STDs and STIs with a blood test is quick and simple. While a needle isn’t everyone’s first choice, many blood tests are now performed by simply pricking the end of the finger and collecting a small drop of blood. But which STIs can be tested for by blood, and how does it work? Here, we summarise the testing methods for various STIs.

Infidelity is one of the hardest things to deal with. You may be left feeling like your life is a lie and that you cannot trust anyone. Whether it’s your boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband, it is never going to be easy. There are several steps you can take to protect your mental and physical wellbeing during such a difficult time.