We just touched a lot. Which STD test is right for me?

Congratulations for playing it quite safe, but there are still STIs and STDs that can be passed on through bodily contact.

HIV: this is very unlikely unless you both had cuts on your body and these touched (this would also apply to Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C). If you are worried about touching some one’s cuts or blood then you can choose our Early Detection Screen which will test for these STIs and STDs at just ten days after your cuddle.

The most common STI passed on through touch is the HPV virus which can cause genital warts and can cause cervical cancer in women, as well as other cancers of the mouth, throat, anus, and penis. HPV testing is available in women at any time, but men must have a visible wart or area to swab.

Herpes (both type I -usually found in the mouth) and type II (usually found in the groin) is passed on through touching any blister. We can test for Herpes by blood (if you have no symptoms) and urine or a swab of the area if you do have symptoms.

Syphilis is also passed on by touch if your partner had an open syphilis sore.

If you have a lump, blister or bump that you are not sure about then Better2Know would recommend our Blemish Screen which will take a swab of the area.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, and it is your responsibility to choose the tests that are right for you depending on your sexual activity and what you know about your partner. If you are unsure then Better2Know recommends a Full STD screen. Once is enough to catch an STD, STI or HIV.