Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions below to find the answer to our FAQs.

What are some of the symptoms of STIs?

Many people with most STIs do have any symptoms. If you have had unprotected sex you should get tested.  If you do have symptoms, these can include:

  • Unusual discharge through the urethra or vagina
  • Pain or feeling uncomfortable when having a wee
  • Needing to have a wee more often and/ or at night
  • A blemish, spot, blister in the genital area
  • Swelling in the genital area
  • Any rash in the genital area  red, flat or raised, itchy or non-itchy, painful or painless)
  • Pain during sex or ejaculation
  • Unusual bleeding in-between periods and / or after intercourse
  • Blood in your wee
  • Pain in the genital area
How many people have STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections are more common that you might think. They are also on the rise with more people testing positive each year. Many people have at least one STI during their lifetime. It is nothing to be worried or ashamed about and Better2Know is here to help you to get tested and to get treated.

Why get tested for an STI or HIV?

Many STIs do not cause any symptoms for a long time, so you may not know that you have an infection. This means that you may damage your own long term health and fertility, but also pass on the infection to a new partner.

These long term risks include:

Infertility (in both men and women)
  • Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are the most common preventable causes of infertility in the world. These infections (and others) can also increase the risk of a difficult pregnancy, miscarriage and early delivery of your baby.
Increased Risk of Cancer (in both men and women)
  • HPV is one of the major causes of cervical cancer in women. HPV has also been linked to other cancers in the: anus, vulva, vagina, penis, mouth, throat and oropharynx.
  • Gonorrhoea infections in men have been linked to an increase in Prostate Cancer.
Increased Risk of Other Infections, Especially HIV (in both men and women)
  • Having one STI makes you more prone to contracting another STI, including HIV. This is because you are more vulnerable to another infection in the genital area. People who have one STI are two to five times more likely than uninfected people to get HIV if they are exposed to the virus through unprotected sexual contact.
Increased Risk of Mother to Child Transmission during Pregnancy and Death or Disability to Your Baby

STIs can directly lead to several problems with newborns babies. These include:

  • Brain damage including mental retardation or death.
  • Miscarriage, early birth and associated problems.
  • Eye infections which can lead to blindness
  • Pneumonia.
  • Problems with normal development: including deformities, delays and seizures.
How long does it take to get the test results?

This depends on the tests that you choose. Many results are back the same day that your sample is received in the laboratory. All results should be back withing five days of your sample being received in the laboratory.

Are STI tests 100% accurate?

No biological test is 100% accurate, and STIs are no different. It is really important to be honest about your incubation period (the time between when you last had sex or other incident of concern, and when you get your test done).  Most STIs will not show in testing for the first week. We can help you to find the right tests and testing method for you depening on your incubation period.

When can I be seen for my test?

We can get you an appointment today. Please contact us to get booked in.

Why should I be treated for STIs?

If you have an STI, it will start to affect your long term health over the months and years to come. Getting treated can help to prevent or minimise this. It can also stop you passing the infection on to a new partner and damaging their long term health and fertility.

What is the cost of a consultation?

Consultations are optional but are included in our testing prices.

What are the costs involved in tests?

Please refer to the prices section of our website.

Do I need referral letter from my  Doctor?

No. You just need to contact us and we will do the rest.

What should I do if I have a STI?

Do not worry, we are here to help you. We can help you to get the treatment and/ or referral that you need to help you to regain your normal life.  

In your patient area, you will also be able to tell your former partners (anonymously if you prefer) about your infection, to encourage them to get tested.