The Better2Know Blog

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.

Many people are wrongly using NHS swab tests, either for asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 or for travelling. Collectively, it is our responsibility to make sure that those who need a test can promptly receive a test. Here, we shed some light surrounding eligibility for testing.

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?

Better2Know’s range of STI screens and tests have been designed by our team of medical experts. It can be difficult to know which is the best option for you. Rest assured that we have a suitable test or screen for everyone. It is important to choose the combination of tests which will relieve any concerns you have about your sexual health.

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.

We should all continue to be mindful of ways to prevent spreading or contracting Coronavirus. Having sex with somebody who you don’t live with could be risky, so it’s important to know how to stay safe if you do. Here are Better2Know’s 5 top tips for keeping as safe as possible.

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.

As Covid-19 restrictions have eased, many people are finding the prospect of returning to the ‘new normal’ difficult to cope with. The future seems uncertain, and it can be hard to see the positives during the overwhelming wave of chaos that the coronavirus has caused. It is important to remember that there are many people feeling the same way, and help is out there, should you need it.

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.

With most pubs, bars and restaurants open again, venturing back to the dating scene is now an option. However, in the time of coronavirus, being in close proximity to others doesn’t come without risks. It’s a good idea to be prepared about what to expect beforehand, so you feel as comfortable as possible during your time to shine.

With continued social distancing, dating in real life has flopped for the majority of people. However, with dating apps still on the go, you may be using this time to swipe to your heart’s content. Gone are the days of writing love letters. Welcome to the modern-day Cupid… technology.

Are you due your smear test but can’t get an appointment at your doctor’s? Better2Know can help you. Our Home HPV Testing Kit allows you to monitor your cervical health with a simple vaginal swab.

The coronavirus situation is presenting us with many difficult challenges, most of which we have never faced before. Restricted social contact, however, means an assumed drop in sexual contact, which is likely to lower the spread of STIs overall while contributing towards progress to eradicate HIV.

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?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, most people are confined to four walls with plenty of time to think. Amongst many other aspects of life, your sexual health might be a topic that arises in your mind. Your sexual health is just as important as other elements of your health. Better2Know’s range of Home Sample Collection Kits can provide you with the peace of mind you need.

Further progress towards eliminating new HIV diagnoses has been announced by the UK Government. PrEP – a medication taken before sex to prevent catching HIV – will be available through the NHS to those most at risk, beginning in April this year.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) is spreading quickly and testing is in high demand. You may be wondering whether to test for the virus or simply continue to self-isolate. If you are concerned that you may have coronavirus or you just want to put your mind at ease, Better2Know can arrange your test today.

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.

So, you’re thinking about getting tested, but first, you must choose which sexually transmitted infection (STI) to test for. It can be difficult to know whether to test for the most common infections, the STIs you feel most worried about, or all of them. Choosing a comprehensive STI screen has both physical and psychological benefits.

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.

A widespread HPV vaccination programme is in place throughout UK schools, aiming to drastically reduce rates of cervical cancer [1]. However, researchers have doubts about the effectiveness of the programme, whilst a reported 54 per cent increase in cervical cancer rates amongst women aged 25-29 suggests halted progress [2].

Are you thinking about getting tested for STIs? With recent news surrounding a significant rise in the prevalence of Gonorrhoea and Syphilis in the UK, the importance of sexual health testing cannot be ignored.

Over a quarter of local governments have reduced spending on sexual health testing and treatment services by at least a fifth [1]. These significant cuts put sexual health across the UK at risk. Vulnerable groups, such as drug users, and other high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and young people, are finding it increasingly difficult to access sexual health services [2].