Better2Know is the world’s largest private provider of STI testing services. Our range of confidential tests and screens are designed and reviewed by a panel of sexual health specialists, to give you complete peace of mind. Below is a list of scenarios to help you choose the STI or HIV test that is right for you.

I have had a one-night stand & don’t want to pass anything on to my partner

It is important that you do not have unprotected sex with anyone until you get tested. You should, ideally, abstain from sex until your results confirm that you have not contracted an STI. Each of our tests has an ‘incubation’ or ‘window’ period, which is the length of time that needs to pass before an STI becomes detectable. You can still transmit an infection during this period. In this situation, when you want results as quickly as possible, we would recommend a screen that can detect infections after a shorter period of incubation. Such screens include:

  • (suitable 14 days after any incident of concern): HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes I and II, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, Trichomonas and Gardnerella. Results are available within one to four working days from when the samples are received in the laboratory.
  • (appropriate just 10 days after potential exposure): HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Results are available within one to five working days from when the sample arrives in the laboratory.

I have had sex with a sex worker

Unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker carries an extremely high-risk. Considering the potential number of partners that a sex worker may have been with, it is easy to see how infection can spread. If you have had sex with a sex worker, have reason to suspect they might be a drug user (potentially leading to the contraction of blood related infections), did not use a condom, had an open cut or sore on your genitals, or you or your partner had blisters or sores; you should consider either the Better2Know Platinum Screen or the Better2Know Full Screen.

I only slept with him or her once

With STIs, once is all it takes. Of course, the chances are increased if you have been with multiple partners, but if you sleep with someone without knowing their sexual history, you remain at risk. If you have no symptoms or outward signs of infection, Better2Know suggests our Full Screen. If you are female and have either unusual discharge or odour, we would advise you to take the Comfort Screen.

I have given oral sex

It is possible to catch STIs and STDs by giving oral sex. Specifically for those giving oral sex, Better2Know would recommend a Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test of your mouth and throat. This test would take a small swab from your mouth, giving you results within two working days. If you had a cut in your mouth at the time, there is a possibility of HIV transmission, and you should consider including an HIV test.

I have received oral sex

Certain infections can be passed on through oral sex. Transmission is more likely if the person who performed the act had a cut or sore in their mouth, or if you had a cut or sore on your genitals. The most common infections to be contracted in this way are Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and, rarely, HIV. In this instance, we would suggest that you receive testing for all three STIs. If you think the person who gave you oral sex had a cold sore, then we would also suggest a Herpes test.

I have had / given anal sex

It is very easy to transmit STIs, including HIV, through anal sex as the lining of the rectum is thin and delicate. This makes small tears and cuts quite common. Specifically for those receiving anal sex, Better2Know would recommend a Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test of your rectum. This test would take a small swab from your rectum and provide results within two working days from receipt of the sample by the laboratory.

The condom broke

We understand it can be extremely frustrating when you have done the right thing but have been let down by the equipment. In this situation, as far as your STI testing needs are concerned, you should both be tested for a Full Screen as infection can go both ways. The screen tests for HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. If you think that your risk of HIV is low, you may want to consider the Peace of Mind Screen, which tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis just 14 days after any incident you are concerned about.

My ex has told me they have an STI

Try to find out what they have tested positive for. If they have one STI or STD, there is a chance they may have others. They might not have received testing for all the infections that Better2Know tests for. Firstly, we suggest that you receive testing for whatever your ex-partner has tested positive for, along with a full range of other STIs. If you are unsure or do not want to ask, Better2Know recommends the Full Screen, which includes testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma.

We touched a lot, but we did not have sex

Some STIs can be passed on through bodily contact alone. It is unlikely that you will catch, or pass on, HIV unless you both had cuts on your body that made contact with one another. There is, however, the possibility of transmitting Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C through physical contact. If you are worried that you might have been exposed to an STI by touching your partner intimately, you can choose Better2Know’s Early Detection Screen. This will test for STIs just 10 days after the incident you are concerned about.

One of the most common STIs transmitted through skin-to-skin contact is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Herpes has two types: type one is usually found around the mouth, while type two is commonly found around the groin. Syphilis can also be passed on by touch if your partner has an open Syphilis sore, or Chancre.

I have suffered a needle stick injury

Needle stick injuries are most common in the healthcare profession. They can also be common amongst social carers and legal staff who work with patients in a health or social care environment.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a needle stick injury, you should seek to access PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) within 72 hours of the incident. This can reduce your chances of contracting HIV, if indeed you have encountered HIV infected blood. With needle stick injuries, the most common concern is blood borne STIs such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and, less frequently, Syphilis.

I have just found out I am pregnant: What should I do now?

If you find out you are pregnant and have not had any STI tests, it is important that you get yourself tested now. Though many infections often have no symptoms, they can still affect your pregnancy, potentially causing harm to your unborn child. Infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis, Herpes and HPV can all be passed from mother to child and some of these infections – along with Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma and Gardnerella – can lead to an early rupture of the membranes and pre-term birth. In the case of HIV, with the proper treatment you can minimise the chances of passing this potentially life-threatening illness on to your child, so get tested right away. Better2Know would suggest that you get a Full Screen or Platinum Screen to be sure you are being tested for all likely STIs. Also think about the HPV test, as this too can be passed on from mother to child and can lead to several types of cancers if left untreated.

I want to have a baby / I have been asked to donate sperm

Before you consider having a baby, it is important to be certain that you are not carrying any sexually transmitted infections. Infections can be passed on to your baby before he or she is born, and can also make it more difficult for you to get pregnant. If you are considering donating sperm, you should also get tested to ensure you do not pass any infection on to the mother. /p>

Both men and women should have a Full STD Screen – and be tested for HPV and Herpes – before planning any pregnancy. These tests will detect the most common STIs, and after appropriate treatment you can start trying to have a baby. Testing for HIV is particularly important. Left untreated, an HIV infection can lead to serious health complications and even death. It is also important to test for HIV before getting pregnant as, with the right treatment, the chances of transmitting the infection to your baby can be minimised.