The Better2Know Blog

Experiencing the symptoms of an STI can be very stressful. It can be extra stressful when those symptoms change over time. And the symptoms experienced during a Herpes infection are no exception.

In this blog, we’ll plot out what a Herpes sore might look like, and how this might change over time. Keep reading to find out more.

This article first appeared on 27/01/2023. Last updated 04/04/2025.

One of the tricky things about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is knowing whether you actually have one.

Most people assume they can tell if they have an infection when they experience symptoms, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

Most STIs are asymptomatic, which means that, even though you may have an established infection, you may not experience any symptoms. Some STIs can also produce symptoms that can be confused for other, less serious infections. Some people can have an STI for months or years and not know it.

So, should you get tested, even if you feel fine?

Keep reading to find out.

This blog first appeared on 19/05/2023. Last updated 07/03/2025.

Very rarely, the odd person might wake up one day to strange symptoms they’ve never experienced before. They get tested and realise that they’ve got an STI.

But they never had sex. So, what’s going on?

While people can’t get infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) out of the blue, it’s possible to get one without having sex, and there are some rare instances where you can “give yourself” an STI.

How does this happen? To understand, we need to explain how STIs are transmitted and detail all the non-sexual ways you can get an STI, from using contaminated household items to transferring an infection to another part of your body.

Keep reading to find out more.

There are many factors that can affect and disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle. One rarely-discussed factor that can affect your period is an STI.

Read on to find out how your period might be affected by an STI you may not know you have.

In the world of STIs, it can be easy to assume that most people get infections only in specific ways – namely, through sex.

This is true for most infections, but not all.

Hepatitis B is a great example of how STIs can be transmitted, and it reminds us that we can’t be too vigilant when protecting our sexual health.

Let’s dive into the details and learn how you can stay safe and healthy.

Most people know that you can get Syphilis from sex. But did you know that you can get it in other ways, too?

Today, we’re addressing an important topic that we hear about a lot from our patients: whether Syphilis can be transmitted through saliva. Syphilis has made a comeback in recent years, so it’s important to know how to protect your health from the worst effects of this infection.

Let’s get into it.

Some people may think once they get treated for an STI, they don’t have to worry anymore.

This isn’t always true.

While most medications to treat STIs are highly effective and safe, they won’t rid you of your infection the moment you swallow a pill or take an injection.

We often hear from patients on our phone lines about concerns surrounding whether they’ll test positive for an infection even after they’ve been treated.

How does this work? Let’s get into it.

New research in the British Medical Journal has highlighted an increase in Herpes Simplex Virus infections and genital ulcer disease in 2020. Between 2016 and 2020, researchers estimate that global Herpes infections have risen to the extent that the virus now infects 846 million people aged 15 to 49. At least one person each second—around 42 million people annually—is estimated to acquire a new infection.

This raises questions about the efficacy of public health and prevention strategies. While not serious and asymptomatic in most cases, Herpes can cause pain and distress in many people who get it.

When you get into the world of sexual health, there are a lot of terms to keep track of. It’s easy to get confused. But Better2Know is here to help!

We often hear our patients get confused about the incubation period and the window period. These two concepts offer different views about how an infection progresses through the body.

Knowing the difference between these two can help you maintain your sexual health and avoid the worst effects of untreated STIs.

Let’s get started.

If you’re sexually active and you’re aware of the risks, you probably know about Chlamydia. It’s the most common bacterial STI in the world, and many sexually active people will get it in their lifetime.

Getting treated for Chlamydia is pretty simple: in most cases, after testing positive, the next course of action is to take antibiotics. The good news for those worried about Chlamydia is that it’s easily detected and easily cured.

However, many people may not know about the effects of prolonged Chlamydia infections, especially on their fertility.

Keep reading to find out more.

One of the best tools for fighting infections is testing. It allows healthcare providers to see pathogens as they enter our bodies. Trying to treat and manage an infection without testing is like entering a boxing ring with a blindfold on. You can do it, but you’re unlikely to fare very well.

A new meta-analysis has been released in BMC Infectious Diseases about the state of STI prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Researchers analysed 23 MENA countries, 19 different STIS, and data from over 20 million participants.

The meta-analysis sheds light on the chronic issues the area has with testing provision and public health plans that effectively address these issues.

Keep reading to find out more about the state of play of sexually transmitted infections in the region.

When most people think of STIs, they tend to think of infections that affect the genitals. While this is true – many STIs will cause symptoms that affect the genital area – it’s not true in all cases.

The thing about infections is they’re often indiscriminate. They don’t mind where or how they get into your body, so long as they can survive once there. And several STIs are perfectly happy hunkering down in your mouth.

In this blog, we’ll cover what STIs are, how they can infect the mouth, what symptoms you may experience during an oral STI infection, and how you can get tested and treated.

Let’s go!

When you think about who tends to get STIs, you probably think of young people living foot-loose and fancy-free, dating widely and experiencing a wide range of sexual partners.

However, older adults are also at risk, and they might be more vulnerable than you’d expect. The rise in STD rates among older adults can be attributed to increased dating in later mid-life and old age, longer life expectancies, and less concern about pregnancy.

In this article, we’ll uncover several sneaky STDs that often go unnoticed by older adults and explain why recognising the symptoms and seeking treatment is essential.

At Better2Know, we often receive questions from our patients about various health concerns. One recent query stood out: “Does Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) count as a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?” This question arose after a reader experienced BV following sexual intercourse.

Understanding BV and its causes is crucial for any sexually active woman. While BV is not classified as an STI, we only see it in sexually active women, and it can be influenced by sexual activity.

Keep reading to find out more!

Getting some illnesses can make you more susceptible to getting others.

Diabetes can lead to heart disease. Getting the flu makes you more likely to get pneumonia. High blood pressure is tied to kidney disease.

This is also true in the world of STIs. For example, it’s well-known that having HIV can increase the likelihood of getting other STIs.

But it turns out HIV isn’t the only bad host letting in other nasty infections into your home.

Trichomonas may be the reason why some people have HPV…

In the world of HIV, the discovery of the p24 antigen has been a game-changer for effective HIV infection detection.

This one antigen has helped many people get the testing and treatment they need to live long and healthy lives.

But what is the p24 antigen, and how has it changed the testing process?

Let’s get into it.

Medical professionals working to limit the spread of STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Syphilis may have a new tool on hand to help stop the spread of infection.

The new medicine is called DoxyPEP, an antibiotic pill that acts as a post-exposure prophylactic that could limit the likelihood of developing an STI after a potential exposure.

Sexual health testing can be a bit complicated. The average person who gets tested for a sexually transmitted infection may not know all the ins and outs of the different kinds of tests available.

At Better2Know, we want to make sure people can make informed decisions about their sexual health.

In this blog, we’ll cover antigen testing, how it works, and when it’s appropriate to get.

Let’s get started.

Yeast infections, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis, disrupt the delicate balance of your intimate flora. These common fungal overgrowths can cause itching, irritation, and discomfort.

In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysteries of the duration of yeast infections, examining their causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies.

Pregnancy can be stressful enough without having to worry about anything going wrong. However, sometimes a pregnancy doesn’t go the way we may want, and complications can occur.

Ectopic pregnancies are a not-uncommon complication of some pregnancies. They can occur on their own, but certain conditions can make them more likely. And STIs are a common culprit of this condition.

The connection between STIs and ectopic pregnancies may not be widely known, but research has shown that certain STIs can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. This is why understanding STIs and their potential complications is so important.

In this blog, we aim to shed light on this connection, empowering you with knowledge to take control of your sexual health.

Let’s get started.

STIs are infections that are primarily passed from one person to another during sexual contact. They can have a range of effects on the body, from mild symptoms that are barely noticeable to severe complications that can cause long-term health problems.

While most people are aware of the more common symptoms of STIs, such as sores, unusual discharge, or pain during sex, it’s less well-known that these infections can also affect other parts of the body. One such condition that can be caused by certain STIs is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye that can cause redness, itching, and sometimes a discharge from the eye.

In this blog, we’ll explore the link between STIs and conjunctivitis, helping you understand how and why these infections can lead to eye problems.

When the thought of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) enters your mind, you want answers, and fast. Having knowledge of your sexual health status can help you make the best possible decisions for your sexual health.

This blog will give you all the answers you will need about HIV testing and how long it will take.

Let’s dive in.

Symptoms can be a tricky issue when talking about STIs.

While most STIs are asymptomatic, certain symptoms can indicate the presence of an infection. And when these symptoms appear, it’s important to get tested and treated as soon as possible.

However, not all STIs have the same symptoms, and even the same STI can present differently in different people.

In this blog, we’ll look at how STIs present differently in both men and women, review what HIV is, and how it may present differently in women.

Keep reading to find out more.

When most people think about sexually transmitted diseases, they tend to think about symptoms that affect the genitals. Rarely do they think about the mouth.

But the mouth is one of the places where many people infected with STIs get their symptoms.

Syphilis is no exception.

Syphilis, known as the “great imitator”, can produce a wide range of symptoms. One potential indicator is the condition referred to as a “Syphilis tongue.” It’s one of the more unusual manifestations of Syphilis, and one you need to be aware of if you’re concerned about this infection.

In this guide, we’ll explore what causes Syphilis tongue, how to identify a Syphilis tongue, and why promptly recognising and receiving treatment for this symptom is crucial.

Keep reading to find out more.

No one wants to find a sore on their genitals.

When it happens, it can be a serious cause for concern. After all, developing sores, bumps, or lesions around the vagina can signify the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

However, if you’ve discovered a sore on your vagina, it’s important to understand what it may be and the kind of treatment you should seek.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what vaginal sores are, what STIs are known to cause them, and how to move forward if you notice any strange bumps or lesions in your genital area.

Understanding your menstrual cycle and its nuances is crucial for maintaining reproductive health.

However, when unexpected bleeding occurs between periods, it can be concerning and may signal an underlying issue such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the correlation between STIs and irregular bleeding, exploring common causes and symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical advice and testing.

Experiencing discharge is an entirely normal part of having and caring for your sexual health. Most women tend to experience some discharge from their genitals, whether it’s during sexual arousal, their period, or at regular intervals.

But sometimes you can have too much or an unusual type of discharge. When this happens, it could indicate something worth addressing.

Are you experiencing a larger-than-normal amount of vaginal discharge? Keep reading to find out what may be causing it.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause some very serious health complications. One of the more serious complications that can arise from getting many STIs is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a condition that is of particular concern to sexually active women.

If left untreated, PID can have severe consequences for your health. So, in this blog post, we’ll look at PID, the STIs that cause it, the long-term effects of PID, and whether PID can be treated.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are unfortunately very common, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.

Swab tests are very useful for detecting certain STIs, allowing for a quick diagnosis and treatment. However, many women may wonder whether they can still get swab tests while on their period.

In this blog post, we’ll answer that very question and provide more information about what STIs are, how they are transmitted, and how swab tests work.

Anyone can get a yeast infection. However, it’s a common misconception that these infections are exclusive to women. Though less common, a yeast infection can infect a man just as severely.

In today’s post, we’ll be diving into the topic of male yeast infections. We’ll discuss what they look like, the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

If you’re a man concerned about the prospect of having a yeast infection, keep reading.