I’m Going to Africa – Am I At Risk of HIV?

Whether for work, family, or fun, traveling to Africa is an incredible experience. As you plan for your journey, however, you may have some questions and concerns. For example, could this trip put you at risk of contracting HIV? How can you stay safe? Arming yourself with the facts is the best way to protect your health. 

7 Facts About Herpes

Herpes is one of the most dreaded viruses in the world, and for good reason. Even though a herpes infection is rarely life-threatening, it can lead to shame and put your loved ones at risk. However, the more you know about the virus, the better you’ll be able to avoid an infection – or manage one and still live a full life. Here are seven facts about herpes that can help to demystify this misunderstood disease.

Can Syphilis Be Fully Cured?

Over the last four years, Better2Know has noticed a concerning rise in the rates of syphilis transmission. Testing has shown a threefold increase in positive syphilis cases within our communities. This increase in positive results is a deeply worrying trend, especially since most cases of syphilis are initially asymptomatic. It’s important to get tested so you can receive the proper treatment you need and avoid spreading it to your partner.

Oops I did it again (Can you catch the same STI twice?)

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 and Infertility: What You Need to Know

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.

Tantric Sex Explained: How to Boost Your Sex Life With This Ancient Practice

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.

5 Ways To Catch An STI Without Having Sex

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.

Sex and Weight Loss: Facts and Fiction

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.

Symptoms of Chlamydia and How You Can Get Tested Easily

According to the World Health Organization, over one million sexually transmitted infections and diseases are acquired every day throughout the world.

How to Keep Yourself Healthy & Fit for Sex

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…

How Do You Test For Herpes?

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

World Ovarian Cancer Day: Middle East Statistics and the links to STIs

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. 

Key information and regional data for HPV and Genital Warts

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.

What are the three stages of Syphilis?

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.

HIV Testing options in Dubai and the UAE

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.

What does the latest report from WHO say about Herpes?

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 A, B and C: What is the difference?

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.

Prevalence of Chlamydia: Is life in the Middle East changing?

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.

How common is HIV in the Middle East?

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.

STI Testing Incubation Periods

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

Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Middle East

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.

STI 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.

Gonorrhoea Testing in the UAE

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.

HIV Testing Sharjah

Better2Know is the world’s leading provider of private HIV and STI testing services. With clinics throughout the UAE, including Sharjah, Better2Know’s HIV testing is available around the country. Our private sexual health clinics in Sharjah are open throughout the week for swift, accurate and confidential testing.

Discreet STI Testing in the Middle East

Better2Know is the Middle East’s largest private provider of sexual health testing services, with clinics in prime locations such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Muscat, Riyadh and beyond. With a comprehensive range of stress-free tests and screens, specially put together by our panel of medical experts, STI testing in the Middle East has never been easier.

HIV Testing in the Middle East

Better2Know is the Middle East’s largest private provider of sexual health testing services. We have world class clinics across the region, including major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai and Muscat. Our comprehensive service offers tests and screens for a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Herpes: Myths and Facts

You have just tested positive for Genital Herpes. What does this mean? Turning to Dr Google is doing nothing to help aside from bamboozling you with complex medical terms and contradicting information. What is the difference between Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)? All you want to know is ‘what’s the cure?’.

Testing for HIV in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses is ‘soaring’ in the Arab region, according to a report published earlier this month. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that AIDS-related deaths in the Middle East and North Africa have increased by more than 250% in the last 15 years.

Rapid STI Results in Dubai

Better2Know’s exclusive instant testing range provides rapid, reliable STI results for six sexually transmitted infections. Available at our private STI clinics in Dubai, you can receive fast, accurate STI results for a range of STIs, including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Same Day Testing in Bahrain

Better2Know has sexual health clinics across the Middle East and, subject to availability, we can get you an appointment on the same day that you make your booking. Our discreet testing services are available in Manama.