The Better2Know Blog

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.

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.

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].

Recent figures confirm that the UK continues to make significant progress towards eliminating HIV transmission. Whilst the total number of new HIV infections has decreased, diagnoses have fallen by 71 per cent amongst gay and bisexual men. This significant decline has been attributed to several successful preventative measures including widespread testing and increased use of PrEP.

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.

The beginning of a new year brings time to reflect, make new resolutions and plan for the year ahead. Why not start 2020 feeling confident about your sexual health? Testing for STIs with Better2Know is simple and quick. With discreet clinics and fast results, there are plenty of reasons why you should book your sexual health test today.

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.

We would like to wish all our patients, clinic partners, blog readers and everyone else we work with in the UK a very Merry Christmas and a happy, successful New Year.

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]