Relationships are hard. For a romantic relationship to be sustained in the long term, you need trust, mutual respect, and understanding. And very few things can disrupt relationship harmony more than the spectre of an STI. However, contrary to what many people may think, someone can get an STI without cheating. Find out more about how this is possible and what you can do if it happens. Asymptomatic infections The main thing you need to know about STIs is most of them present with no symptoms. Even when symptoms do appear, they can often be so minor that they can be ignored or mistaken for less ..read more

When talking about sexual health, it’s common to encounter your fair share of myths. There are lots of stories out there about all the different ways you can get a sexually transmitted infection. Some have merit while others aren’t worth paying attention to. At Better2Know, we want to provide you with the best possible information about STIs so that you can make informed decisions about your sexual health. One question that comes up often is whether it’s possible to get an STI by giving a hand job. Despite what you may think, the answer to this question is much more nuanced than you might expe ..read more

A sexually active person needs to know a lot to protect their sexual health. After all, the risks of being sexually active don’t just begin when you enter the bedroom. They can exist with even the most casual forms of intimacy. One common myth out there is that you get Chlamydia while kissing. But is this true? In this blog, we’ll cover what Chlamydia is, how it’s spread, and what you can do to protect yourself from this STI. What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria can infect the urinary tract, throat, eyes ..read more

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cause all sorts of symptoms. But one of the more unnerving symptoms of STIs can be pimples. So, how can you tell if these pimples are a symptom of an STI? Keep reading to find out. What counts as a pimple? A pimple is a type of acne that occurs when hair follicles, or pores, become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage can cause bacteria to grow, leading to inflammation and the formation of a pimple. Pimples are generally characterised by red, inflamed spots that may have a white centre ..read more

So, you found out you had an STI. You took a test and scheduled an appointment with a doctor to get it treated. But you may be wondering: after taking medication, are you still contagious? This might be a tricky question to answer for a few reasons. The right answer can depend on the infection that you have, your overall health, and other factors. In this article, we’ll explore what STIs are, how they are transmitted, how they are treated, and whether a person can still spread an infection after taking medication. What are STIs? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections whose prima ..read more

We all know sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can seriously damage your health. From infertility to cancer, STIs are a serious public health concern. We get asked a lot about the effect of STIs on all areas of health, especially reproductive health. While it’s common for many STIs to cause infertility, we specifically get asked whether an STI can affect a man’s sperm count. In this blog, we’ll answer this vital question so you can protect your sexual health. What are STIs? STIs are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. This can include vaginal, anal, and oral s ..read more

Kissing can be a very intimate way of showing your loved ones you care about them. Whether two people are sharing a French kiss, or you are simply greeting an old friend with a kiss on the cheek, a kiss tends to be a symbol of love and admiration. With international kissing day on July 6, it is important to celebrate the day with those you care about. However, there are a few things you should consider before giving your friends and family a big, carefree smooch. Here, we will be discussing the possible repercussions of kissing and how you can deal with them. Viruses that can spread from kissi ..read more

You may have planned a special night with your partner, and you expected to get intimate. But after looking in the mirror, you realise you’ve got a cold sore. Cold sores can be incredibly irritating and painful, but they can also be distressing because of the risk of spreading them to someone else. This blog will review what causes cold sores, how contagious they are, and when you can be intimate with someone after an outbreak. What causes cold sores? Cold sores – sometimes called fever blisters – are small red blisters that develop around the lips and mouth. They are usually caused by Herpes ..read more

Imagine this: You’re on a date and having a great time. As you approach your flat, you start to wonder if they’re planning to give you a kiss. Then, it happens. Your partner leans in for a smooch, and you see a red mark near their lips. Is it a zit, or is it herpes? If you pucker up, will you catch herpes, too? Arming yourself with the facts about the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and being prepared to have honest conversations with potential partners is the best way to avoid infection and complications. Our quick guide will address the most common questions about herpes so you can stay healthy ..read more

Engaging in unprotected anal sex is a high-risk behaviour that can lead to various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other health issues. Considering the potential consequences, taking steps to protect oneself should be a top priority when engaging in such activities. In this blog post, we will discuss what anal sex is, the risks involved, the STIs one can get, and ways to protect oneself from harm. What is anal sex? Anal sex involves the penetration of the anus with a penis or other sex toys. The anus is not naturally lubricated, so it requires the use of some kind of lubricant to ma ..read more