The Better2Know Blog

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.

A one-night stand is nothing to be ashamed about. Having casual sex is a normal part of many people’s lives. What’s important is taking the necessary steps after a one-night stand. Here are our top tips to protect your health and wellbeing.

A study by Age UK indicates a rise in the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among older people. The stigma associated with STIs presents a barrier for many in taking care of their sexual health. Unfortunately, age does not equal immunity when it comes to STIs. Knowing your sexual health status is important no matter how old you are.

Our health is one of the most important things in life. Just as many people feel nervous about speaking to a GP, it is also perfectly normal to feel uneasy about having a sexual health check-up. The Better2Know service makes your STI test as simple, discrete and stress-free as possible.

Associating HIV with death must be stopped. This is no longer the reality. This week, former rugby player Gareth Thomas publicly announced his HIV status in the hope of changing perceptions on living with HIV. “I’ve got HIV and it’s OK”, he said. In light of this, we want to help beat the stigma and eradicate the myths surrounding life with HIV.

Freshers’ week marks the start of a new adventure. Meeting new people, living independently and enjoying new experiences. One whole week to socialise in your new city before the real studying at university begins. There are a few important things to bear in mind as Freshers’ week approaches.

It’s the STI unheard of by most people. Yet, if left untreated, Trichomoniasis can lead to health complications for both men and women. So why is nobody talking about it? Here we answer some commonly asked questions about this STI.

It’s 2019. We have freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and freedom to have consensual sex with whoever we want, whenever we want. So why does society still frown upon a positive STI result? With the rates for many STIs on the rise, Better2Know encourages everyone who may have been at risk to get tested. A positive STI result does not define you.

Summer. What’s not to love? No doubt the party holiday you’ve been waiting for all year is just around the corner. It’s the season to forget about all our worries, but that often means forgetting about important things, too. Condoms. Drinking responsibly. It’s all part of the fun and games. Packing safe sex essentials in your toiletry bag is the answer to avoiding some of the biggest problems a fun-filled summer clubbing holiday can bring.

Holiday sex is not just the domain of the lads on tours. Girls on summer holidays are looking for summer loving and summer romance. Holiday sex is a little different to home sex, and there are a couple of things you can do to help the memories stay golden.

New research from a study published by the World Health Organisation, shows that 1 in 25 people around the world have an STI. That is 4% of the population. The study looks only at data for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas and Syphilis, so the actual figure is likely to be higher.

If you are looking forward to your summer trip with the boys – whether this is an annual event or your first time – it is important to know what to do to keep yourself safe if you have sex with new people. You know to pack condoms with the kitemark, but what else can you do to help prevent an STI?

There are many different types of HIV test. Some need blood samples, others are done on saliva. The best test depends on your situation. However one of the most important things to consider is the incubation or window period. This is how long it has been since the incident of concern and the date of your test. With HIV testing, accurate testing is available from just 10 days, but you must choose the right HIV screening test.

Summer festivals are a great time. Whether you are watching Kylie on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, The Manics at Kendal Calling or learning a new folk at the Cambridge Folk festival, the UKs festival scene means there is something for everyone. Relaxing, drinking, meeting new people and learning new skills can also lead to new sexual partners. The thrill of festival sex in the outdoors, tent, caravan or yurt is wonderful. We are here to help you do it safely.

Taking control of your sexual health means getting a regular STI test. Your clinician knows a lot more about STIs and how to collect your samples. There are other questions that you can ask, to help you prevent getting an STI in the future, or taking (even) more pleasure from your sex life.

STI home testing is becoming increasingly popular. Despite a society where our lives are posted all over social media where we thrive on sharing, likes and followers. The sudden shyness or refusal to talk about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections is surprising. Sex is easily accessible now, more than it was in the past. Stigma and discrimination still exist. With the idea that people who have STIs are dirty. Having a sexually transmitted infection should not be the decider on one’s perception of other people’s personal hygiene levels.

Getting tested is the hard part done. No more wondering if that itch, rash, or pain when you urinate will go away. No more worrying about going to see your doctor, or sitting in the waiting room feeling like everyone knows why you’re there (FYI: they don’t at Better2Know clinics). You now know your STI status and can now receive treatment to clear or manage the infection. The next step is to notify sexual partners (past and present) of your status. Please ask them to book an STI testing appointment. This may seem daunting, but their health is at risk. It is not fair on them not to tell them. It is a conversation you will need to have to protect your partner.

Whether you are exhibiting concerning symptoms, or are simply concerned about your sexual health, then you should book an STI test. If this is your first time getting tested, there is nothing to be afraid of. You should feel confident that you are taking control of your sexual health. Everyone’s experience with sexually transmitted infections differ. Some might suffer from painful or worrying symptoms such as blisters, unusual discharge or pain during sex, whilst others may experience no signs of an STI at all.

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) recently updated standards for the management of sexually transmitted infections to help healthcare establishments, government-funded and otherwise, ensure they are providing high quality sexual health services for their patients. The clinical recommendations are relevant for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections has risen by a third in people ages between 50 and 70. With increasing rates of divorce and online dating fuelling the surge in casual sex, the sexual health of the generation who may not have had access to sex education is threatened. Stigma and discrimination are not encouraging this commonly overlooked population to get the help and advice they need regarding their personal risk to STIs.

Research suggests that there has been a 10-fold increase in HIV infections amongst drugs users in Glasgow. Britain has not suffered an outbreak of this scale since the 1980s and the epidemic is not being contained. With few places to get clean injecting kits, drug users are resorting to sharing needles. Even though Glasgow’s NHS has introduced needle exchange points to reach addicts on the streets, the virus is still rapidly spreading.