The Better2Know Blog

Today is World Hepatitis Day. This year’s theme ‘Hepatitis Can’t Wait’ highlights that, despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, we must act on Hepatitis. Every 30 seconds, a person dies from a Hepatitis-related illness.

Dr Mark Bloch has been working in the field of HIV medicine since 1983 and is now the director of Clinical Research at Holdsworth House in Sydney. We asked Dr Bloch some questions about HIV to gain a deeper insight into his thoughts and experience with HIV-positive patients. 

Pain in the pelvic area is a symptom of many different health conditions. It can be chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term). Here, we explain the possible reasons why pelvic pain may occur and further symptoms to look out for.

Recent changes to the National Chlamydia Screening Programme will alter how Chlamydia testing works for young men in the UK. Under the new rules, it will be more difficult for men under 25 to get tested for Chlamydia unless they have symptoms, or a partner has tested positive.

After the UK achieved the ‘90-90-90’ targets just three years after the goal was set by the United Nations in 2014, a new goal was established – to end HIV transmission by 2030. A recent study investigates how likely it is that the UK will achieve this target.

Jess Phillips recently explained the “shame and guilt” she experienced during her 20s, after receiving the news that she had HPV – the human papillomavirus. However, the reality is that most sexually active adults will contract HPV in their lifetime.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect people all over the world. But what do the numbers say? In this blog, Better2Know explores some statistics published by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

While the pandemic is not over just yet, we have become somewhat accustomed to new ways of life and we, as humans, are still learning every day. Taking the time to reflect on the past year, the pandemic has taught the world countless lessons which we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

After a long wait, most Covid-19 restrictions have finally lifted across the UK. As restaurants, bars and venues reopen, many of us eagerly await the chance to get back out there, socialise, meet new people and even get back into the world of dating.

Most HPV infections do not cause health problems. However, since an HPV infection can become cancerous, it is important to understand what HPV is, how it can lead to cancer, and how to prevent it.

Are you dreaming of escaping overseas? With international travel back on the cards, your dream could become a reality. However, it is important to be aware of the Government’s new traffic light system which may alter your travel plans.

While it is near impossible to have entirely safe sex with another person, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Let’s discuss how to avoid catching an unwanted infection.

Sometimes referred to as a ‘silent STI’, Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK. If left untreated, a Chlamydia infection can have long-term health consequences for both men and women. But what is meant by a ‘silent STI’?

How much do you know about Hepatitis A? Better2Know is here to give you all the information you need about this type of Hepatitis, including symptoms, treatment and how to test for the virus.

The 1980s AIDS crisis left an everlasting impact on many people’s lives. Now, a memorial is set to be built in London to commemorate those who lost their lives and to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding HIV.

The UK’s third lockdown will soon be ending as planned on Monday 12^th April. Many restrictions will be lifted, including the re-opening of non-essential shops and gyms, as well as pubs and restaurants for outdoor service.

You may or may not have heard of Ureaplasma. This lesser-known sexually transmitted infection (STI) can, in fact, also occur naturally. Here, we discuss what Ureaplasma is, symptoms, testing, treatment and long-term health risks.

Better2Know was presented with a Silver Stevie® Award in the Most Valuable Response by a Customer Service Team category in the 15th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Winners will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony on 14th April 2021.

Various Covid-19 restrictions have been introduced by the UK Government when travelling to and from the UK. Better2Know is a registered provider for Testing on Day 2 and Day 8 for International Arrivals, which is required when you return to the UK from abroad. Find out more about this test and how it works.

The term ‘sexual health’ covers a range of different topics, from STIs, to contraception and family planning, to intimacy and relationships. Looking after your sexual health is important to protect your overall long-term health and to foster positive relationships between yourself and your partner(s).

Today is International HPV Awareness Day. On this dedicated day, ask yourself: ‘how much do I know about HPV?’. To help raise awareness surrounding HPV, Better2Know is here to dispel seven common myths.

If you test positive for a sexually transmitted infection, you should inform both your current and recent sexual partners. This is the safe and responsible thing to do to protect their health and fertility.

Arts, film and production were one of the many industries brought to a standstill when the Covid-19 pandemic began. Since then, many film crews have been able to safely return to work by implementing Covid-19 testing as a simple but effective precaution.

With Covid-19 vaccines now being rolled out in the UK, you may have questions such as: How does the vaccine work? What does the vaccine mean for immunity? Can an antibody test detect antibodies produced by the vaccine? Here, we explain everything you need to know, including why you might consider getting an antibody test.

This week is National HIV Testing Week. Here at Better2Know, we not only want to promote the importance of testing for HIV but help to tackle the stigma and barriers associated with HIV testing.

Today is World Cancer Day – an international day which aims to raise awareness of cancer and encourage prevention, detection and treatment. This year’s theme ‘I Am and I Will’ focuses on how, together, we can commit to act towards making a change. As specialists in sexual health, Better2Know explains which sexually transmitted infections pose a cancer risk.

On the back of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Anthea Morris, Co-Founder of Better2Know, calls for women who are too nervous about getting screened for cervical cancer at a clinic, or are not attending appointments due to the pandemic, to consider self-administered ‘DIY’ HPV tests.

The term ‘sexual health’ covers a wide range of topics, from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to sexual intercourse, fertility, and genital health. Here, we explore some myths about men’s sexual health, and their truths.

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.