The Better2Know Blog

Feeling itchy anywhere on your body is far from a pleasant sensation. When it’s down below, it can feel particularly alarming. There are several reasons why your vagina may feel itchy after sex, not all of which are a major cause for concern – so don’t panic! Here, we explain the possible reasons for your itch.

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

If the pandemic has had an impact on your relationship, you’re not alone. Covid-19 has not only affected our entire lives, but also the dynamics of our relationships. With the shift to working from home and little reason to leave the house, has spending more time together actually forced couples apart?

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.

Current rules prevent gay or bisexual men who have engaged in oral or anal sex within the past three months from donating blood. However, these rules are set to change, allowing men who have sex with men (MSM) to be able to donate blood in the same way as all other blood donors.

If you are planning a trip abroad, there’s good news on the horizon. As of the 15^th December, you can choose to have a Covid-19 test when you arrive back in the UK, which will cut your quarantine time in half (as long as you test negative, of course). Also known as ‘Testing to Release’, Better2Know is providing this test.

We often associate the abbreviation ‘UTI’ with feeling uncomfortable down below and needing to urinate, a lot. But what actually is a UTI? What causes it, and how can it be prevented? Here, we answer some commonly asked questions about UTIs. It’s time to get clued up.

If you are travelling to China, it is now a requirement to have proof of two negative Covid-19 tests – a PCR swab test and an IgM antibody test – within 48 hours prior to flight departure. These control measures have been introduced to “reduce cross-border transmission of Covid-19 and protect the health and safety of passengers.” Find out more about how we can get you tested for your journey to China.

Our Covid-19 finger-prick home test kit is back. This convenient home sample collection kit enables you to collect your blood sample at home and send it by post to our laboratory. Find out more about our new and improved finger-prick home sample collection kit.

Better2Know is a leading provider of sexual health and Covid-19 testing in the UK. Our discreet and confidential service helps thousands of patients to get the answers they need. We are here to help you, too. Find out more about what our patients think.

Covid-19 tests are in high demand and it can be difficult to know whether or not you should get tested, especially if you are not experiencing symptoms. 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.

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?