STIs are extremely common, both in Africa and around the globe. According to the World Health Organization, more than one million STIs are acquired everyday worldwide. Such infections can cause long term damage to your health and fertility – or that of any current or future partners – so it is important to get tested as regularly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions we are asked most often. You will find additional information about our tests and services in the information below. Click on each question to reveal the answer.
How will I know if I have an STI? What are the symptoms?
A lot of STIs will not show any symptoms to begin with and when they do occur, symptoms may vary by disease. Common symptoms that can be diagnosed and treated include, but are not limited to: Unusual discharge, burning upon urination, swelling in the testes or vulva, rash, pain in the genital area or on ejaculation / intercourse, or ulcers, lesions or blemishes. Please select one of the individual STI testing pages above for a more specific description of symptoms. Ultimately though, the only way to certain of your sexual health status is by getting yourself tested.
Why should I receive testing for my sexual health?
As mentioned, many STIs can be asymptomatic over prolonged periods of time. This means that you may be unaware of an infection that could end up having a significant impact on your long-term health. If you are infected with an STI and fail to receive the appropriate treatment, you could experience complications such as: infertility, increased risk of cancer or other infections, and, for women, an increased risk of mother to baby transmission. So, stay safe and get tested, it is always Better2Know.
How much will an STD or HIV test cost?
For a full list of prices for the STI tests and screens we offer in Africa, please refer to the Prices section of our website.
How accurate are Better2Know's tests and screens?
Firstly, no STD test or screen is 100% accurate. Most infections cannot be detected straight away, and could take anywhere up to a month to show up in testing. Our tests are the most accurate on the market, but if you are looking for a recorded accuracy level for a specific test, contact our experienced Patient Services team who will be able to help you.
When should I get tested?
Each STI test has a different incubation period, which signals the amount of time that you should wait between any incident you are concerned about, and getting tested. For example, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can be detected after just two weeks, whereas Hepatitis B requires 28 days of incubation. Contact our Patient Services team to find out more.
How long will my results take?
Results times vary in accordance with the tests you choose, but usually take between one to five working days from when the sample is received by the laboratory. Better2Know also offer Instant STI tests for six infections, at selected African locations. This popular testing option provides results within 30 minutes, while you wait in the centre.
Are my results confidential?
Yes. Details of your appointment and test results are 100% confidential and will be known only to you and the centre. Better2Know will not share your information with any third parties. Furthermore, you will receive an anonymous PIN number and do not have to provide your real name.
Where is my nearest testing location?
To locate your closest clinic or testing location in Africa, select the Find Centres tab above. Alternatively, you can contact our welcoming Patient Services team to discover which tests are available near you.