Clinics in Woodend

How are STIs diagnosed?

STIs in Woodend can only be diagnosed by testing. If you are worried about a sexual encounter you have had, or if you are presenting some STI symptoms, call your local Better2Know testing centre in Woodend now to get your testing appointment booked.

Sexually transmitted infections are tested for using a range of different testing methods, each dependent on the STI or STD that is being tested for. Tests can be run on simple blood samples, self-collection urine samples and swab samples. Each sample is collected by a highly trained doctor or nurse in Woodend.

Testing with Better2Know in Woodend will give you a fast and accurate diagnosis and excellent onward care and support.

Which STIs can I be tested for in Woodend

Better2Know offers you the widest range of Sexual Health tests and screens in Woodend to ensure that you get the right STI tests when you need them the most. We test for all STIs and STDs including:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Herpes

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• HPV

• Mycoplasma

• Gardnerella

• Trichomonas

Our medical team has created a range of Better2Know STI screens, each testing for more than one infection and designed for your particular testing needs. If you are not sure which screen is right for you, then please choose our Full STI Screen.

With Better2Know, your STI testing worries will be put at ease.

Is it true that some STIs have no symptoms?

Yes. Often STIs do not present any symptoms such as itching, soreness when urinating or during sex, flu-like symptoms, or unusual discharge. Symptoms, if they do appear, can vary between different people and different STIs. Some common STI infections such as Chlamydia can present no symptoms at all. Around 90% of men and 70% of women who are infected with Chlamydia will never show any symptoms.

Because of this, it is important that you test regularly for STIs in Woodend. Regular testing at your local Better2Know clinic in Woodend will provide you with the health information you need to keep yourself, and your sexual partners safe from symptomless STIs.

STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis A, B and C, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas are just a few common STIs that can present with no symptoms in the early stages of infection. No matter where you are, even in Woodend, the risk of catching one of these infections is high.  Regular testing is the only way to protect your sexual health.

What are the symptoms of STIs?

Many STIs do not present symptoms in the early and sometimes even later stages of infection. Symptoms will also often vary between infection and person. Regular testing in Woodend with your local Better2Know clinic is the only way to keep yourself and your partners safe from STIs.

Some signs of an STI infection are:

• pain when urinating or during sex

• lumps or lesions on the genital area

• unusual discharge

• pain in the lower back and kidney area

• flu-like symptoms

• swelling of the penis and/ or testicles

• sore throat

• rashes

If you have one or any of these symptoms, you should test right away. You can book your appointment quickly and easily with Better2Know at one of our many clinics in Woodend. With our flexible and available booking options you can get your test and results within just a few days.

Call your Better2Know STI test centre in Woodend today using the number above. Book your STI test now and start your journey to a better understanding of your body and better management of your sexual health.

What is the difference between and STD and an STI?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are ultimately the same thing. The term STI has become more commonly used, as the word infection is not as daunting as the word disease. By using the word infection in place of the word disease, people are encouraged to get tested more regularly and to not be afraid of the result.

If you develop symptoms such as itching, soreness when urinating or blisters on the genital area, these are good indicators that you have an STI. Ignoring these symptoms can increase your chances of further serious health complications.

That is why regular testing in Woodend is imperative especially after a new sexual encounter. Better2Know’s wide range of sexual health testing in Woodend will provide you with the information you need, whether you have an STI, STD or even nothing!

How often should I get tested for an STI?

You should get tested for an STI every time you have an encounter with a new sexual partner. It can be easy to let life in Woodend take over and not prioritise your sexual health but protecting and maintaining your overall health as well as your sexual health will lead to a better understanding of yourself going forward.

Testing often in Woodend is easy with your local Better2Know testing centre. With flexible appointment times we can fit into your schedule with ease.

Can I still have sex if I have an STI?

If you test positive, it is recommended that you stop all sexual activity until you have completed your full course of antibiotics prescribed for your infection. You might also want to have follow up tests as recommended by Better2Know or your doctor, and not have sex until these come back negative.

If you have tested positive for Herpes, HIV or HPV you should consult with your Better2Know doctor about best practice for safe sex as these viruses require different management and treatment and may need long term follow up testing.   If you do have sex in this time, be sure to practice safer sex and let your partner know the risks.

STIs in Woodend are passed from person to person through bodily fluids. Although generally safe, kissing can also pass on STIs such as Herpes and HPV. With that in mind, it is always best to stop all sexual activity until you have finished your course of treatment.

Better2Know in Woodend can answer all your questions regarding your positive result, offering 24/7 advice and guidance alongside consultations with your Better2Know doctor. Speak to a member of our team today.