Better2Know provides private and confidential STI testing services to suit your personal requirements. A specific period of incubation may be stipulated to ensure you are eligible for certain tests. An incubation period is the time between potential exposure to infection and your STI test. This page suggests some appropriate screens and tests depending on your symptoms and circumstances.

I have symptoms

Symptoms differ depending on the sexually transmitted infection you may have contracted. Most STIs show few or no signs of infection, especially in the early stages. General symptoms can include: genital discomfort, pain upon urinating, unusual discharge, visible blemishes or sores, and itching, redness or inflammation around genitals or anus.

Suggested Better2Know screens:

We engaged in sexual contact but did not have intercourse

Some STIs, such as Herpes, can be transmitted through direct contact with a blemish or sore. Another common infection that can be acquired through touch is the Human Papilloma Virus. This infection can cause Cervical Cancer or other types of cancers if left undiagnosed and untreated. Genital Warts can also be the product of certain types of HPV.

Suitable screens:

I am pregnant or trying to conceive / I have been asked to be a sperm donor

Better2Know advises testing before pregnancy, or after finding out that you are pregnant, to avoid potential difficulties during birth or health complications in mother or child. Expectant fathers, or men who have decided to donate their sperm, should also receive thorough testing to avoid transmitting STIs to the expectant mother.

Screens and tests to consider:

I only slept with him or her once

When it comes to sexually transmitted infections, once is all it takes. Suitable screens vary depending on the circumstances of your sexual encounter. If you do not know the sexual history of the person you have had sex with, or are simply unsure about your own sexual health, Better2Know's team of professional advisors will help you select the STI screen that best suits your testing needs.

Suggested screens that may meet your requirements:

My ex-partner has told me that they have an STI

If a previous partner has informed you that they are positive for an STI, you should first ask which infection they have acquired to ensure that test is included in the screen you select. Otherwise, we would advise choosing a screen that includes testing for multiple infections, as contracting one STI increases your chances of acquiring another. Better2Know provides various testing options for symptomatic or asymptomatic infections.

Compatible screens and tests:

I have given oral sex / I have received oral sex

You can transmit sexual infections through oral sex. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are amongst the most common infections contracted through this particular type of sexual contact. You are also at risk of HIV transmission if infected sexual fluids come into contact with cuts or ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals. If your partner had sores, ulcers or blisters in or around their mouth or genital area during the incident, then we would advise to test for Herpes or Syphilis infections as well.

Screens to consider:

I have had sex with a sex worker

Sexual activity with a sex worker is considered particularly high-risk. This is because a sex worker may have had many partners and infection can spread quickly. If you had unprotected sex, or if there were open cuts or sores on you or your partner then you should get tested as soon as possible.

Suggested STI screens:

The condom was damaged

In some cases, you may have used protection but the condom was defective or split during sex. The most suitable screens for your circumstances may differ depending on what sexual contact you have performed or received.

Our suitable screens:

I have had anal sex

Due to the delicate nature of the anal area, it is prone to tears and cuts. Therefore, if you engage in unprotected anal sex, you have an increased chance of acquiring a blood borne STI. Harmful STIs, such as HIV, can be transmitted in this way and, if left undiagnosed, it can lead to serious health problems. We have selected screens and tests that cater for gay men, or men who sleep with men (MSM). These will look for the infections most likely to be transmitted through male-to-male sex or anal sexual contact.

Better2Know’s suggested tests and screens:

Booking your test or screen

To book your private, European appointment with Better2Know today, please use our online booking system by selecting the orange button at the top of the page. Alternatively, if you would like more guidance, you can contact our trained sexual health advisors on the phone number above. They will help you choose which screens or tests meet your requirements, as well as processing your confidential booking. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience.