Private GUM Clinics: Why use Better2Know?

• Always 100% Confidential. You don't have to give us your real name to get tested.
• Fast Results. Your test results will typically be available within 2 days. With the NHS, results can take weeks.
• Locations. We have testing clinics around the UK so you don't have to travel far.
• Facilities. Our clinics are clean and modern.
• Non-Judgmental. The clinical staff is friendly and non-judgmental. We have heard it all before!

Sexual Health Testing: Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of frequently asked questions about STD & HIV testing. If you have any specific questions about getting tested for HIV with Better2Know, please contact us.

Where are your clinics? How do I make an appointment?

We have clinics around the UK, which you can see by clicking on Our STD/STI Clinics. To make an appointment, simply call us or Book Online and someone will call you back shortly.

How do I know if I have an STD? What are the symptoms?

The only way to know for sure is to get tested! This is becuase many STDs either have no symptoms at all or have very common symptoms, which can be confused with other diseases. To learn more about the symptoms of specific STDs, including HIV, please click here.

When should I get tested?

STDs take a while before they can be detected through testing. The period of time between infection and when the disease can be detected with a test is known as a "window period" or an "incubation period". Different STDs have different incubation periods. For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, you can generally be tested within a week of potential exposure while HIV typically takes one month before testing is considerered reliable. To learn more about HIV window periods, please go to HIV Testing. For more information on other STDs, please visit STD & STI Testing.

What is an Instant Test? Do you offer it?

Instant HIV tests give you a result within a minute. However, these tests are not considered reliable for any potential exposure to HIV which occured in the last 3 months. If you are worried about an incident within the last 3 months, the 28 day HIV test is recommended. For more information on HIV testing, please click here.

I am really scared - Should I get the 10 day HIV test?

The 10 day HIV test can take up to 7 working days to deliver results, which means it is roughly a week faster than waiting to take the 28 day test. While some people desperately want to get results, this test has drawbacks such as a higher rate of false positives (giving a positive result when in fact there is no HIV infection). The length of time for results and the increased chance of false positives, makes the 28 day test a preferable way to test for HIV.

How long does it take to get results?

Most results are available within 2 to 3 days though some tests, such as Herpes and HPV, may take up to 5 days.

Are my results confidential?

Yes. The results are 100% confidential and will be known only to you and the clinic. The results will not be shared with any third parties.