The Better2Know Blog

One of BBC’s reporters recently went undercover to investigate the illegal online trade of drugs that is endangering the sexual health of the UK population. The unlicensed antibiotics were advertised through social media as treatment for sexually transmitted infections; the drugs were not only illegal – with some not even being prescribed anymore – but also sold at the wrong dose.

News of a man being ‘cured’ of HIV in the UK is circulating. The London patient, who was being treated for cancer, now has undetectable HIV viral loads and is no longer taking HIV medication following his stem cell transplant. Despite this, researchers say it is too early to say that the patient has been ‘cured’. Though this case may bring hope for a cure to those living with HIV, it is still only the second case of its kind. The therapy is also not suitable as standard HIV treatment due to the toxicity of chemotherapy, which was initially used to target the patient’s cancer – not his HIV infection. This recent case raises questions as to how well the country is doing in terms of treatment and overall HIV statistics in the UK.  

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?

New meta-analysis reveals there is a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in individuals who take PrEP, specifically men who have sex with men (MSM). The results of the study suggest that amongst MSM, incidence of sexually transmitted infections are generally higher in those that take PrEP than those who do not take PrEP. There are concerns that this is due to a lack of condom use for those on PrEP, even though sexual activities that risk exposure to HIV also risk infection with other STIs.

Despite the population having more sex, there has been no relevant increase in the quality of sex education. This increases existing concerns over the sexual health of the UK population; the threat of STIs becoming even more widespread looms over the country like the grey clouds that often occupy our skies.

People say that money can’t buy happiness; however, when freebies are involved the excitement that follows begs to differ. If something is free, then why should you pay for it? This is the mentality many people have when it comes to STI testing. If you can get tested for sexually transmitted infections at your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, why would you fork out your hard-earned money for an appointment at a private sexual health clinic?

Whether you had the most romantic Valentine’s Day with your beau, or you are heading out for the post-Valentine’s-Day-pull this weekend, your sexual health should be in your top list of priorities. Despite driving the super Gonorrhoea epidemic, most people believe oral sex is ‘safe sex’ and that it is a safer alternative to intercourse.

The number of Gonorrhoea diagnoses are at their highest rates in decades. Two new cases of super Gonorrhoea heightens existing fears that the infection is becoming rife amongst the UK population. This particular strain is increasingly rampant in the UK and experts are worried about a widespread outbreak.

Almost 102,000 people in the UK were estimated to be living with HIV in 2017. Last year was a good year for the UK when it comes the HIV epidemic – with the country having surpassed UNAID’s 90-90-90 targets that were set in 2014. The number of HIV diagnoses are the lowest they have been since 2000; 98% of those diagnosed with HIV are on treatment and 97% of HIV-positive people have undetectable viral loads.

Last week, Better2Know discussed the importance of cervical screening and the under 25s smear test debate. Attending your smear test appointment is vital to protecting your cervical health. Especially since, cervical cancer symptoms in the early stages are usually non-existent and the infection is often found, and treated, as a result of cervical screening.