The Better2Know Blog

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

‘A few minutes of discomfort could save your life.’

Cervical Cancer screening has fallen to a 21-year-low. During the weekly clash of PMQs, Theresa May made a personal appeal for women to attend smear test appointments.

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 cause 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.

Dr Ushan Andrady, a sexual health and HIV consultant, said:

            “We have definitely seen a rise in people coming into the clinic after having sex whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol.”

He added that people were unaware of the risks associated with having unprotected sex whilst intoxicated. [1] Drugs and alcohol lower inhibitions, stimulate arousal, and create a sense of euphoria. This often leads to risky sexual behaviour. [2]

The Need to Defy HIV Stigmas

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]

A recent study has revealed “a worrying gap in sexual health knowledge in the UK.” Your.MD conducted a survey with questions on topics such as sex, contraception and sexual health more generally. Alessandro Traverso, Your.MD’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “we created the sex test as a simple way for young people in the UK to learn important facts about sexual health which are often misunderstood.” The questionnaire showed that some young people in the UK were unaware of how STIs are passed on, with nearly 40% thinking HIV can be transferred through kissing, and the signs and symptoms of common STIs. [1]

Better2Know is the largest private provider of STI testing services in the UK. Our team of experienced advisors regularly attend professional development courses including the STI Foundation course, which provides skills for the diagnosis, management and prevention of STIs. This means your Better2Know advisor is highly trained to give advice and support regarding your STI related concerns.

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.

Sexual health clinics in the UK are struggling to cope with an increase in sexually transmitted infections, a health expert has warned. Despite the rise in attendance at sexual health clinics in England, a BBC investigation in June revealed that almost half the councils in England are planning to cut spending on sexual health services. As a result, some sexual health clinics are at risk of closure or reduced hours. With last year’s increase in Syphilis and Gonorrhoea cases, Dr Olwen Williams, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: “cuts to sexual health funding have come at the worst possible time.”

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.