The Better2Know Blog

Around 1 in 10 men and half of all infected women do not experience any symptoms of Gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. 2017 saw 44,676 diagnoses of Gonorrhoea; this is a 22% increase in comparison to the year before. This STI is passed on through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal intercourse. You will not always notice any signs of a Gonorrhoea infection, but you can still transmit the STI to others if you have sex without a condom.

The UK is one of the first countries to meet the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. Public Health England’s recent report showed that HIV prevention efforts are working successfully in the UK. London was the first global city to exceed the 95-95-95 target.  They have now been joined by Amsterdam and Melbourne. 2017 statistics reveal [1]:

• 92% of people living with HIV in the UK have been diagnosed
• 98% of HIV positive people in the UK were on treatment
• 97% of HIV positive individuals had an undetectable viral load

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] This year is the 30^th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Each year, a theme is set for World AIDS Day. This year the theme is ‘Know Your Status’ – emphasising the importance of regular HIV testing and knowing your HIV status. [2]

Binge drinking and drug use is causing a rise in sexual health clinic attendance. Sexual health clinics have seen a rise in attendance from people who had unprotected sex whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

It is National HIV Testing Week in the UK. Better2Know not only wants to promote the importance of HIV testing, but also the need to reject the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS that often prevents people from getting tested or seeking treatment. The emerging HIV epidemic in the 1980s triggered fear in many people as little was understood of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This created irrational behaviour and misconceptions of personal risk which still exist today. [1]

At selected private STI clinics throughout the UK, Better2Know provides rapid results for seven sexually transmitted infections. This includes Better2Know’s instant test for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, which is available in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and many other locations across the UK. You can choose to receive an individual instant test or choose from Better2Know’s selection of instant screens. These combine instant tests to give you a more thorough view of your STI status. Your instant Herpes test can be combined with instant tests for HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

You will receive fast, accurate STI and HIV testing at Better2Know’s private sexual health clinics in Edinburgh. Conveniently located throughout the city, private appointments are available 7 days a week with same or next day availability. Your personal information is 100% confidential and you can choose to remain completely anonymous should this make you feel more comfortable with getting tested.

In the 1970s and 1980s, 5000 people with blood disorders such as Haemophilia were treated with contaminated blood products. In many cases, this resulted in the development of HIV or Hepatitis C or both. Though a public inquiry was launched in July 2017, almost 3000 infected people have died. There is an estimate from one campaigner that as many as 300,000 may have been infected with contaminated blood. Early detection for blood-borne infections is extremely important. Even if you think you have not been affected directly by contaminated blood from the 1970s and 1980s, you can still contract these types of infection from affected individuals through sharing personal items, such as needles or razors. Bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C can also be sexually transmitted during unprotected sex. This includes oral, anal or vaginal intercourse. The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested. The earlier you get tested, the earlier you can receive the treatment you need.

Better2Know’s private STI and HIV testing services are available throughout Yorkshire. This includes Bradford, Hull, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Rotherham, York and Wakefield. Available at our private sexual clinics in Yorkshire, Better2Know’s wide range of STI screens and tests will test for a variety of sexual health concerns. These include sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes I/II, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and many more.

The 90-Day HIV test is a third generation HIV testing option that will detect HIV antibodies after 90 days of incubation. This is the time between potential exposure to HIV and your HIV test. Available to those who would prefer not to attend a private STI clinic appointment, get in touch with Better2Know’s highly trained sexual health advisors today for more information about getting this test.

Better2Know is the leading provider of private sexual health testing services in the UK.

Whilst many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are routinely tested for on a simple urine sample, certain STIs are best tested for by swabbing the part of your body that might be infected. When there is a visible lesion, wart, sore or blister, possibly caused by the Herpes Virus, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or the Syphilis bacteria, it is usually advised to swab the suspected area for the direct detection of the causal organism. Similarly, if a Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection is suspected in the throat or rectum, then a swab sample rather than a urine sample is always indicated.

Better2Know offers a wide range of confidential swab tests specifically designed to meet your every need. As well as swab testing for STIs, we also offer swab tests for women who wish to manage their cervical health and swab tests to identify conditions such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Candida (Thrush).

Better2Know is the UK’s leading private provider of sexual health testing services. As well as confidential testing at private STI clinics nationwide, Better2Know also offers our exclusive home testing and Everywhere nurse services. These popular testing options provide a convenient, high quality alternative for those who may not be able to attend a clinic appointment.

With our private home testing and Everywhere services, you will receive the same outstanding diagnostic service as you would with a Better2Know clinic appointment. You will be supported throughout your patient journey by our team of experienced Patient Services Executives. When you test with Better2Know, your personal details are handled in the strictest confidence. The information you provide will not be shared with any doctors or third parties without your consent. For complete anonymity, you do not have to provide your real name in order to be tested.

Untreated sexually transmitted infections can cause serious complications for both pregnancy and fertility. Better2Know provides a wide range of confidential STI testing options for pregnant women and couples who may wish to start a family, to give you the peace of mind you need with regards to your sexual health. Untreated STIs could lead to:

• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancies
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Low birth weight
• Health problems for both mother and child
• Transmission of infection to the baby

Better2Know is the UK’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. Our exclusive Everywhere service is available nationwide, offering a popular alternative to our clinic and home testing options. The Better2Know Everywhere service brings the advantages of our nurse led service to a location that is comfortable for you. Make a booking with us today and a private nurse will Come2You, testing you quickly and confidentially for an extensive range of sexually transmitted infections.

Some countries request an HIV certificate during the visa application process. The circumstances where you will be asked to provide proof of your HIV status may vary depending on the country you are travelling to, and the purpose or length of your stay. Better2Know advises travellers to check the visa specifications of the country they are planning to visit, work in, or migrate to.

Better2Know are the world’s leading provider of private STI testing services. If you need an HIV certificate for any reason, we can provide you with one for small fee following your confidential HIV test or screen.

Better2Know is the UK’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. At selected clinics nationwide, we offer Instant testing for six common STIs. Namely, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Better2Know’s Instant STI tests are available in towns and cities across the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Swansea, Newcastle, Sheffield, Aberdeen and many more. With same day or next day availability throughout the country, you can arrange your confidential appointment for a time and date that suits your schedule.

Better2Know is the UK’s largest provider of private STI testing services. We provide confidential sexual health screens and tests to detect HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes and many other sexually transmitted infections. Our private STI testing services are completely confidential. You do not need to provide your real name, age or gender in order to be tested. The Better2Know WhatsApp service helps to maintain your anonymity. This method of contact enables you to message to one of our Patient Services Executives without having to call us directly. Our trained sexual health advisors will provide guidance and support throughout your patient journey.

At Better2Know, we understand that you might find it difficult to discuss your sexual health issues over the phone. As such, our popular WhatsApp service can be accessed through your mobile phone. This easy-to-use service allows you to chat, discreetly, to one of our experienced sexual health advisors. Our confidential, online service is available Monday to Friday, between 8:30am-5:30pm. After privately contacting a Better2Know advisor, you can book a private appointment online, or arrange for one of our advisors to call you at a convenient time to process your booking.

Better2Know, the UK’s largest provider of private STI testing services, provides confidential screens and tests in Milton Keynes for a range of infections, including HIV. Our team of highly trained sexual health advisors will ensure your patient journey is simple, quick and efficient. You are also given the choice of anonymity if this makes you feel more comfortable.

With any sexually transmitted infection, early detection and treatment is essential to protecting your personal health. Undiagnosed STIs can cause irreversible damage if left untreated, and this is particularly applicable to HIV. The number of people diagnosed with HIV continues to increase each year in Milton Keynes, making the town an area of high HIV prevalence. There are also many infected individuals who receive late diagnosis, creating an ongoing concern for public health. Untreated STIs can leave you more susceptible to contracting HIV.

Better2Know is the UK’s largest provider of private STI and HIV testing services. We have private sexual health clinics in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as many locations in Scotland. Our CPA accredited laboratories ensure fast, accurate results. Better2Know’s Patient Services team are highly trained to help make your patient journey as stress-free and discreet as possible. Testing with Better2Know is strictly confidential, and you have the choice of anonymity should that make you more comfortable.

Health Protection Scotland recently revealed that Scotland ‘continues to face challenges in preventing new HIV infections.’ This is evident in their estimation that over 6,000 people are living with HIV in Scotland, and 13% of the Scottish population remain undiagnosed.

Better2Know’s private STI testing services provides a wide range of screens and tests that will identify various sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and many more.

Our private sexual health clinics are situated throughout the United Kingdom including the cities of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh as well as numerous other locations. Better2Know’s team of highly trained sexual health advisors and medical specialists will make your patient journey as simple and stress-free as possible. Sample analysis is conducted by our CPA accredited laboratory ensuring fast, efficient and accurate results.

Syphilis is often referred to as a silent infection, with many people experiencing little or no symptoms in the initial stages. This can be particularly damaging as those with undetected Syphilis infections are more likely to transmit the STI to others without knowing.

In a recent interview with the BBC, one former Syphilis patient called for a broader public debate on an STI that is ‘not discussed at all.’

Better2Know is the UK’s largest provider of private STI testing services. Our wide range of screens and tests are designed, and regularly reviewed, by a panel of medical specialists to ensure you receive accurate and efficient testing. Many sexually transmitted diseases show little or no symptoms in the early stages of infection, so it is important to be examined regularly. Better2Know’s Platinum and Early Platinum Screens comprise an extensive number of tests to give you a clear picture of your overall sexual health.

There were over 10,000 new cases of STDs diagnosed in Northern Ireland during the year 2016. These figures include cases of HIV, with more than 1,000 people in Northern Ireland currently living with the virus. The BBC recently revealed that ‘as many as one in five people with HIV in Northern Ireland are unaware that they have the infection.’ According to Jacquie Richardson, the chief executive of HIV awareness charity, Positive Life, ‘poor sexual health is a significant burden on the wellbeing of people living in Northern Ireland’.

Better2Know is the UK’s largest provider of private STI testing services. We have sexual health clinics across the country, including Northern Ireland. Better2Know encourages regular testing to detect any infections that if left untreated, can create further health problems. It also reduces the chance of transferring an STI to current or future partners. So, whether you have met someone new or had a one-off encounter, booking your screen or test today is essential to protecting your personal health.

Sexual health services are at breaking point throughout the UK, and no more so than in the city of London. As a result of clinic closures across the capital, the Dean Street Express GUM clinic in Soho is turning away around 1,200 patients every single day. Early detection and intervention are crucial in combatting sexually transmitted infections and at Better2Know, the UK’s largest provider of private STI and HIV testing services, we can get you a confidential appointment in London on the very same day that you make your booking.

In 2016, Public Health England reported almost 700 cases of new STI diagnoses in the town of Ipswich. In addition, Healthy Suffolk recently revealed that Ipswich has the county’s highest rate for sexually transmitted infections, as well as being above the national average. Their report expresses the need for an assessment of Suffolk’s sexual health services, with the county consistently failing to meet their targets for Chlamydia detection.

Better2Know is the UK’s largest provider of private STI testing services, providing a wide range of comprehensive testing options in towns and cities across the country, including Ipswich. Our screens and tests are designed and regularly reviewed by medical specialists, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to your sexual health. Better2Know’s highly trained advisors will assist you in choosing the test or screen that is right for you, and they can arrange same day or next day appointments five days a week in Ipswich.

Mycoplasma is a bacterial infection that can affect both men and women. The Mycoplasma bacterium can be found in healthy genital tracts but can also be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact including vaginal, penile or anal intercourse. Often associated as a common cause of urethritis in men and cervicitis in women, Mycoplasma can also lead to complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), as well as increasing the risk of getting other, more harmful STIs, such as HIV, if left untreated.

Almost 10,000 cases of sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed in Birmingham during the year 2016. In addition, a report by Public Health England showed that the city’s STI rates are worse than the national average, with more than 4,700 cases of Chlamydia alone. These concerning statistics led the Birmingham Mail to label the city as a ‘hotspot’ for sexual infections, highlighting the importance of regular STI testing.

Better2Know provides confidential Gonorrhoea testing at private clinics throughout the UK, including the region of South Wales. We have STI clinics in Cardiff, Carmarthen, Hensol, Newport and Swansea. Our range of comprehensive STI tests and screens are regularly reviewed by a panel of sexual health experts. Patient samples are processed by CPA accredited laboratories ensuring both accuracy and efficiency.

According to data published by Public Health England (PHE), there were 5,920 new Syphilis diagnoses in this country during 2016. Whilst that figure is not quite as prevalent as STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, positive Syphilis infections have risen by 97% in the last five years.

At Better2Know, we understand that getting tested for a sexually transmitted infection can be a worrisome time. You want discreet and accurate results, fast. That’s why we offer same or next day appointments in selected clinics across the UK.

Our bespoke Instant testing service provides rapid, confidential results for six of the most harmful infections, including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. With results available in under half an hour, you will receive your test results whilst you wait in the clinic.