The Better2Know Blog

World Ovarian Cancer Day falls on 8 May 2022.  This event was created by ovarian cancer advocacy organisations around the world in 2013 to increase awareness and “globally raise our voices in solidarity in the fight against ovarian cancer”.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 30 different viruses, bacteria and parasites are known to be transmitted sexually. Some of these Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be cured and some can only be managed such as HIV.

The sexually transmitted infection (STI) Chlamydia is Australia’s most common STI and if left untreated can cause lasting health issues for both women and men, such as infertility in women, reduced fertility in men and permanent damage to sexual organs.

Better2Know is a global leader in private sexual health testing and, based on some of the latest statistics regarding the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Australia, recommends having a Full Screen to obtain peace of mind about your sexual health.

National Day of Women Living with HIV is celebrated on 9 March 2022. This is the 7^th National Day since launch and the theme this year, according to Positivewomen.org.au, is “Living Well”.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium which can be spread by vaginal, penile, oral, or anal sexual contact and intercourse in men and women and it lives in the genital area and urinary system.

In 2020, there were an estimated 29,090 people living with HIV in Australia. An estimated 91% of those people were diagnosed by the end of 2020. Research shows that 91% of people diagnosed were receiving HIV treatment, and 97% of those on treatment, had an undetectable viral load.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Australia will be marked in February this year. It is held annually to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and to share real life stories of women affected by the disease. It highlights the risk factors for ovarian cancer and aims to educate Australians on ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The 2021 Census was held on 10 August in Australia. People were asked to become involved from July to September 2021, with most households receiving mail to complete the Census online. The homeless and those living in remote areas received assistance from Census staff.  By 28 September, more than 10 million forms had been completed.

The first release of Census data will emerge in June 2022. The question causing the most debate is about a person´s sexuality and gender.

Three common sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis can often show few, or no symptoms and you may not know you have an STI.  Symptoms can develop within a few days or weeks, but as in the case of Syphilis, noticeable symptoms may not appear until months or even years later.