The Better2Know Blog

Many people are surprised to learn that you can catch the same STI twice. Some of the most common STIs that can be caught more than once are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.

Yes, You Can Contract Chlamydia Even if You Have Had It Before

But don’t let that scare you! By the time that you get to the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what you need to do in order to protect yourself from contracting chlamydia twice.

Here is what you need to know about STI reinfections and how you can find out if you’re infected.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease known to cause serious health complications for men and women if left untreated. Many people are unaware of how severe a chlamydia infection can become. This is partially due to the fact that most people have never heard of it. Fortunately, chlamydia is very easy to treat if it is diagnosed early.

Following are some common questions and concerns pertaining to this common yet treatable sexually transmitted disease.

While many people may have heard of tantric sex there is still a cloud of mystery surrounding its roots as well as what benefits it may offer those who practice it. Tantric sex allows people to explore their sexuality in a deeper, more meaningful way than casual sex allows them to do. Following is some useful information on how to get started on your path towards a more fulfilling love life through the use of tantric sex.

Sex is a powerful bond that intimately connects two people. One way to make sex even better is to talk about it. Having meaningful conversations about sex can be difficult since it can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss. But like all aspects of a healthy relationship, communication is key. Discussing sex can make sex better, improve sexual health, and create a stronger bond with the person you love.

Many people assume that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can only be transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, having sexual intercourse is not the only way to catch an STD or a STI. There are many ways you can become infected with an STI without ever having sex in the first place. It’s important to know your STI status for several reasons.

While people may think it’s impossible to catch an STI without having sex, this is not entirely true. An STI can be transmitted through any kind of skin-to-skin contact where any amount of bodily fluid is present. Any kind of activity that involves exposure to body fluids could result in the transmission of an STD. This can come from a kiss on the lips (herpes) to foreplay that does not involve actual penetration.

Here are five other common ways to catch an STI without having sex.

Whether it’s due to the prioritization of one’s health and fitness, there’s been an apparent shift in perspective regarding sexual activity and its benefits surrounding weight loss and muscle building…

Funny enough, while sex is traditionally an intimate act aimed at one purpose which is to conceive, it’s now being used as a means of fitness, and rightfully so! With that said, while there’s certainly merit behind sex and its many physical benefits, it should never take priority over the intimacy that comes with it.

According to the World Health Organization, over one million sexually transmitted infections and diseases are acquired every day throughout the world. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by a bacteria named chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with a man or woman who is already infected.

While great sex is defined differently by everyone, and although sex doesn’t discriminate, participated in by people of all ages, shapes, and sizes, there’s no doubt that being fit and in shape improves the overall quality of sexual experiences.

In fact, there’s research to suggest just that!

If you’re looking for ways to improve your sex life, you’ve come to the right place. In what follows, we’ll be sharing five of our best tips for keeping yourself fit for sex.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into it…

You can test for herpes in three different ways: a blood test, a urine test, and/ or a swab test.  The right test for you will depend on:

• whether you have any symptoms at the time of your test
• how long ago you think you might have been exposed
• where you think you have herpes
• your personal preferences

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, 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.

World Ovarian Cancer Day is a global awareness day established in 2013 and is supported by almost 200 organisations around the world.  It was created to raise awareness and solidarity in the fight against ovarian cancer. 

Here we give you an understanding about what HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Genital Warts are and discuss the different strains of HPV. We examine the symptoms and how it can be contracted. We will also recommend the best testing options and compare HPV statistics in the Middle East with other regions.

Better2Know understands how important sexual health is to both your physical and mental well-being.  Many STIs show no symptoms in the early stages of infection, so it is important to get tested regularly. This helps to keep you healthy and prevents the spread of infection to your new partner.

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.

According to a report by UAE based newspaper, the Khaleej Times, the Middle East has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world. The article included figures from a 2013 UNAIDS study, which estimated that the total number of HIV positive people in the UAE alone was 230,000 at the time of the study.

Cultural changes, travelling, and altering religious values were listed as potential reasons for the heightened risk of HIV. Along with Sharjah, the majority of the UAE’s positive HIV cases were found in Dubai, reflecting the emirate’s large, multicultural population, “possibly higher levels of risk behaviours” and, potentially, “more exposure to the high-risk phenomena associated with HIV.”

Whatever is behind this developing trend there is reason to be cautious, and testing is the only way to be certain of your HIV status. If you have concerns about HIV, or are simply unsure, keep yourself and your partner safe by getting tested at your earliest convenience.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) released their latest report into the Herpes simplex virus in February 2022.  The report contained key facts, statistics and information while also outlining the WHO response to herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2).   Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-I) and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-II) are two types of the Herpes Simplex Virus.

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.

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.

The Middle East region remains an area of high risk despite low HIV prevalence. It is an area of increasing concern, especially regarding new infections and AIDS-related deaths.

Better2Know is the Middle East’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. Our confidential STI tests and screens are available at clinics throughout the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Better2Know has same day or next day availability six days a week in the Middle East, so we can arrange your private appointment for a time and date that suits your busy schedule.

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.

Knowledge is the key to unlocking the door to understanding and protecting your sexual health. You may not always be able to recognise the symptoms for some of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV or Herpes.

When Should I Get Tested for an STI?

It is advisable to get tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly. This helps to prevent an untreated STI from triggering the development of further issues that may affect your long-term health. [1] You should arrange an STI test as soon as possible if any of the following circumstances relate to your current situation [2][3]:

• You have met a new partner
• You have multiple partners
• A recent or previous partner has told you they are positive for an STI
• You are experiencing symptoms you are worried about
• It has been a while since you got tested
• You had a recent sexual encounter that worries you
• You are concerned about your sexual health

The Middle East is one of the four regions in the world where rates of HIV, the viral infection that causes AIDS, are still increasing. This is despite global leaders announcing bold plans to wipe out AIDs by 2030 four years ago. Better2Know is the Middle East’s leading private provider of STI and HIV testing services. Our wide range of confidential sexual health screens and tests comprise testing for a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Better2Know’s sexual health clinics are conveniently located throughout the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Globally, cases of sexually transmitted infections are still unacceptably high. More than a million STIs are caught or passed on every day. It is widely accepted that STIs heighten the risk of HIV transmission and some can cause cases of cancer that are common around the world, such as cervical cancer. The number of HIV diagnoses worldwide was not reduced between the years 2010 and 2015 in young people and adults – threatening the 2030 goal of ending the HIV epidemic.

Women´s reproductive health can be affected by a variety of conditions and infections. Reproductive illnesses are becoming more common globally and they are having profound consequences for women´s health. The most commonly occurring reproductive health concerns for women include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, uterine fibroids, and HIV/AIDS.

This new year, we are encouraging you to take control of your personal sexual health through private and confidential testing. So, if you have doubts or concerns regarding HIV, or any other STI, get fast, accurate and discreet testing at one of Better2Know’s many clinics in the Middle East.

Better2Know is the Middle East’s largest provider of private and confidential STI testing services. After a hugely successful 2021, we are hoping to help even more people with their sexual health in 2022.

Better2Know is the Middle East’s largest provider of private STI testing services, with outstanding clinics in prime locations across the region including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh and Kuwait City. Our panel of sexual health specialists have put together a comprehensive array of stress-free tests and screens, making STI testing in the Middle East easier than ever before.

Better2Know offers a variety of STI screens throughout the UAE that combine testing for Gonorrhoea and other common infections such as Chlamydia, HIV and Syphilis. For a thorough analysis of your sexual health we suggest the Better2Know Platinum Screen, this will give you peace of mind regarding ten potential infections. We have private sexual health clinics across several Emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Al Ain.