The Better2Know Blog

Better2Know is the UAE’s largest provider of private STI testing services. We have sexual health clinics across the country, including the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Our comprehensive range of STD tests and screens includes testing for Hepatitis A, B and C, in addition to an array of other infections such as HIV, Chlamydia and Syphilis.

You may be wondering, how common are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Middle East? Despite cultural and religious norms, STIs and STDs remain prevalent across the Middle East. Better2Know is the largest private provider of sexual health testing. If you are worried, we can help you to get tested.

Dubai and Sharjah reportedly have the highest number of positive HIV cases in the UAE. There are several reasons suggested for this. If you are worried about HIV, Better2Know can help you. We provide confidential HIV testing in Dubai as early as ten days after potential exposure.

There are many misconceptions about Herpes. If you do have Herpes, you’re not alone. In MENA, the prevalence of HSV I is as high as 97.5% in some populations [1]. There are over 100 herpes virus types, of which eight can be found in humans. Types I and II are the most common [2].

The simple answer is yes. If left untreated, several STIs can pose health risks including loss of fertility. Whilst regular sexual health testing is advised despite your fertility plans, it is particularly important to be tested for STIs before conceiving. Here we explain which infections can impact your fertility and how.

It is often assumed that STI rates may be lower in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) due to certain religious and cultural norms which differ significantly to Europe and other parts of the world. However, the rate of Chlamydia infection found in MENA is parallel to that in other regions across the world.

Nobody is immune to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The truth is that, if you are sexually active, you will always be somewhat at risk. However, there are several ways to reduce your chance of catching an unwanted infection. Here are Better2Know’s top tips on preventing STIs.

As reported in The National, the UAE aims to significantly reduce the prevalence of Hepatitis C by targeting specific high-risk groups and communities [1]. The virus, which chronically affects around 71 million people globally [2], can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and is a major cause of liver cancer.

Whilst the Internet is handy for many reasons, using social media to obtain health advice is unfortunately not one of them. With an increasing number of people turning to the Internet hoping to gain an explanation for their health problems [1], it is important to make sure that your source is reliable. If not, this can lead to a false diagnosis and incorrect medication, among many other risks. All information published by Better2Know is reviewed by our highly qualified team of medical experts, so if you are looking for STI advice, you’re in the right place.

It’s not uncommon to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about getting an STI test, but it is important to remember that these feelings are only temporary. Testing for STIs is simple and there are plenty of reasons why you should book your sexual health test today.

Better2Know’s range of 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.

As reported by The New Arab, Tunisia is set to become the first country in the Arab world to introduce sex education into schools. This is a positive sign of progress in improving awareness of sex and sexual health in MENA.

On 1^st December, World AIDS Day is held to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS worldwide, with the hope to end isolation, stigma, and, ultimately, HIV transmission. This year’s global campaign focuses on the importance of communities and how “communities make the difference”.

Maybe you have noticed unusual wart-like symptoms in your genital area, or maybe you are just curious. What are Genital Warts? Are they common? Why are they there? Can I get rid of them? How can I prevent them? Look no further, we have all the answers you need.

Hepatitis is a viral infection which affects the liver. There are many different strains of Hepatitis. Some infections will only last for a short period of time, whilst others can become chronic and lead to serious health problems. Here we explain the main differences between Hepatitis A, B and C, and why it is important to be tested for each.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can lead to life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Syphilis progresses in three prominent stages: primary, secondary and tertiary. A Syphilis infection can be easily cured and treated in the earlier stages, so it’s important to understand which symptoms to look out for before the infection is able to cause permanent damage.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the rate of current Chlamydia infections is similar to other parts of the world – around 3 percent. This surprising statistic confirms that, despite cultural and religious norms, STIs, and Chlamydia in particular, are widely spread throughout the general population.

This year, a survey by the Arab Barometer indicated that individuals in the Middle East and North Africa feel less able to express themselves today than in 2013. In turn, this is negatively affecting sex education. It is important that people are educated about safe sex and sexually transmitted infections. Speaking openly about these topics is the way forward.

As with many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the symptoms, signs and long-term health complications associated with Gonorrhoea differ between men and women. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of STIs including Gonorrhoea. Since many people exhibit no symptoms in the early stages of infection, it is important to get tested if you may have been at risk. Here we explain the similarities and differences between Gonorrhoea in men and women.

Things are changing all across our world. With cheaper and accessible travel, people are migrating faster and further. With these changes come new opportunities for cultural exchange, changes to diet, lifestyle and health.

Chlamydia is one of the world’s most common STIs, according to a recent report published by the World Health Organisation. One of the big reasons for this is that many people have no symptoms when they have Chlamydia. Over 80% of women and 50% of men will not know they have the infection.

The Middle East has one of the lowest prevalence rates for HIV in the world. Despite this, progress towards the UNAIDS 90 90 90 targets is low. There is still deep stigma across the Middle East towards people with HIV and how they are treated.

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If left untreated it often leads to AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which can lead to death. However, there have been a lot of advances in medication. HIV is no longer the life-threatening condition it once was. With regular medication, most people should lead a normal length of life.

Getting tested for an STI is important part of any man’s healthcare routine. Choosing which STIs to test for, and making sure you have comprehensive testing is really important. Most men would not want to infect their next partner with an STI they decided not to test for. So understanding your options is really important.

Protecting your health is really important. Your healthcare routine includes (or should) regular trips to the dentist and optician, as well as pre-cancer checks as we get older. If you have different sexual partners you should also include STI tests.

Most people who have an STI do not have any symptoms. However, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for. If you do notice any of these in you or your partner, then getting tested is a good idea.

Since the 1980s, HIV/ AIDS is one of the sexually transmitted infections that instils the most fear in people. With the threat of death, many people remain unaware of available HIV treatments (both pre and post exposure) that can help reduce the amount of damage to their system – enabling healthy long lives – as well as the risks of transmission to future sexual partners. The best way to combat HIV is to engage in safe sex, fight stigma, know your own risk and take preventative measures, understand how the virus is transmitted and what the symptoms are.

STIs will not go away if you leave it for long enough. In these circumstances, drinking plenty of water and getting rest will not cure your sexually transmitted infection. You need to get treatment by visiting your doctor. With some infections, treatment is combined with long-term monitoring and management. Once you get tested and know which STI you have, you can receive the right course of medication to clear or manage your infection.

In some parts of the world, women who experience partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to be affected by HIV than women who do not. Amongst neglected populations, including transgender women or sex workers, higher rates of violence are linked with an increasing prevalence of HIV infections.

The Swedish government recently launched a sex education website that has gained popularity in the Middle East. Youmo.se provides online resources for sex education support and information. Ranging from topics such as the body, sex and relationships, to sexual health and sexually transmitted infections, the material is available in several different languages – including Arabic.