Better2Know STI Testing for Men.
Worried that you may have contracted an STI? We provide a fast, confidential and dedicated service to test, treat and advise you about any infection you may have.
As well as our individual HIV and STI tests, Better2Know offers a complete set of health screens, allowing you to test for a selected range of infections using just a single blood, swab, or urine sample. If you are not sure which test to choose, Better2Know suggests our Full STI Screen.
HIV in Men - Common Symptoms and Treatment
HIV can be passed on through unprotected contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, or breast milk. Unprotected vaginal and anal sexual intercourse carry a greater risk of HIV infection. It is also possible to catch HIV through oral sex, though this is less common. Sharing needles – often for recreational drug use – or any other activity where bodily fluids are exchanged between partners, also increases your risk of contracting HIV.
Early Symptoms of HIV (AIDS) in Men
The early signs of an HIV infection can include headaches, fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands, and vomiting. Of course, these symptoms frequently occur in far less severe conditions, such as the common cold and, as a result, the only way to be completely certain of your HIV status is to get tested.
Sexual Health FAQs for Men
Can Men get Ureaplasma?
Yes, Ureaplasma is one of Australia’s most common STI’s. Most people who have Ureaplasma often do not show symptoms at first. However, the longer the infection goes untreated the more likely you are to have symptoms.
Testing for Ureaplasma with Better2Know is simple, straightforward, and fast. All we need is a single urine sample. Your results will be ready up to five working days from when your sample is received in our accredited, Australian laboratory.
Can Men get Chlamydia?
Yes, Men can contract Chlamydia, it is normally passed by having unprotected sexual activity with someone who currently has the infection. Chlamydia often has no symptoms, so anyone might have it currently without knowing, the only way to fully know is to get a sexual health test.
Chlamydia can lead to reduced fertility in men and you can infect your next partner. So it is really important to get tested.
What are the symptoms of HPV in men?
People with HPV often will not show symptoms. So the only way to know if your are safe is to get a sexual health test. Symptoms if they do show can be in the form of Genital Warts. Warts are often small red or pink growths which can be small but also, in extreme circumstances, be as wide as 10cm. The reason it is so important to test regularly for HPV is that it is responsible for 90% of anal cancers in men.
What are the first signs of Genital Herpes in men?
A man who has a herpes infection may have no symptoms at all, mild symptoms that they do not recognise as herpes (the case with most people), or outbreaks of uncomfortable blisters, usually around the mouth (called cold sores), or in the genital area.
Herpes usually causes blisters which can be itchy and uncomfortable. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Blisters usually take between two days and three weeks to appear, following the initial infection. The blisters start off as small bumps, developing into full blisters and eventually bursting, releasing pus. Blisters can be small or large, and may be just one blister, or a cluster located close together. Other symptoms can include:
- Painful itching in the area of the outbreak
- Burning during urination and/ or sex
- Headaches
- Swollen glands
- Muscles aches
- Feeling tired and run down
If you have Herpes, it will remain in your body for your life. There is currently no specific treatment, but there is medication to control the outbreaks as they occur.
An estimated 80% of people in Australia carry the Herpes Simplex I Virus (Oral Herpes), while approximately 25% carry HSV II (Genital Herpes). Getting a blood test is the only way to know if you have herpes.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B in men?
Hepatitis B is a virus which infects the liver. It is one of the most infectious blood borne viruses (BBVs) and can survive on exposed surfaces, even after cleaning. As well as unprotected sexual intercourse, infection commonly occurs through the sharing of contaminated needles (e.g. intravenous drugs use), accidental injury with a contaminated needle (tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture) and the sharing of contaminated razors.
Symptoms of an acute Hepatitis B infection can include:
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Darker urine than normal
- Jaundice
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C in men?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection. Most men with Hepatitis C will not have any symptoms for a number of years, but may start to feel tired and lacking in energy. Around three-quarters of all untreated Hepatitis C patients will develop a long term condition. Symptoms, as the infection starts to progress, can include:
- Tiredness
- Aching limbs
- Digestive problems
- Brain fog
How do you test for Syphilis in men?
Syphilis is a potentially life-threatening infection, which can cause serious health complications if left undetected and untreated. It is, however, curable with the right treatment.
The first sign that you have Syphilis will usually be the appearance of a Syphilis Sore, or Chancre, in the first few days and weeks following infection. Once this heals, many people with Syphilis will not experience further symptoms for years. However, they remain at risk of developing further stages of Syphilis. Learn more about Syphilis here.
Book your appointment
If you are worried you may have caught something, it is best to be careful, to protect yourself and those around you. To book your test, please call our friendly booking team. They are on hand to help you 24/7. You can also book online via the Book Now button and our dedicated team will confirm your appointment straight away.