What if I test positive?

We are here to help you with the next stages of your treatment.  Thousands of people test positive for STIs (or STDs) every day across the world.  The good news is that now you know your status, you can get the medical treatment that you need.  This will help to prevent and minimise any long term health complications.

  • You have a choice of what to do next: You can continue with your treatment at your Better2Know clinic (there may be a charge for another appointment and/or for a private prescription),
  • You can take your results to your own doctor who can also prescribe treatment,
  • You can go to your local Sexual Health Centre. 

It is important to get treated even if you have no symptoms, as you can still pass the infection on.  Untreated infections may affect your fertility and/ or cause long term health problems. In order to best protect your health and treat the infection it is important to see a doctor quickly to be prescribed the right medication for you.

You should also contact all your recent and ex-partners to tell them what you have tested positive for. It is the responsible thing to do and could protect their health and fertility too.  It is always Better2Know.

Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, Gardnerella and Trichomonas

If you test positive for any of these infections, they are usually treated with antibiotics.  They can be completely cleared with a short course of the appropriate medication. Your choice of clinician will be able to prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for you.

If you have tested positive for gonorrhoea, then you should repeat the test two weeks later to check that the infection has cleared.  Gonorrhoea is becoming resistant to antibiotics.  It is important to check the medicaiton has worked.

If you have tested positive using one of our home sample collection tests, we can still arrange a doctor’s consultation for you and ensure that they get a copy of your results. Phone us on the number above to make your private GP appointment.

Herpes

We test for two types of Herpes. Your Better2Know test will tell you which, if any, you have. Type 1 is the strain that commonly causes “cold sores”, sores around the lips of the mouth. Type II is the viral type that typically causes Genital Herpes.

There is currently no medication available to eliminate the virus from the body.  There are many treatments which are very effective at reducing both the severity and frequency of any outbreaks. So the good news is that these outbreaks can be managed.  The medications for type 1 are usually available over the counter, others may need a doctor's prescription.

You are most likely to pass the virus on when you have symptoms so you should abstain or practice safe sex with a condom during this time. If you test positive for Herpes your Better2Know doctor will be able to prescribe the right treatment for you.

There are also organisations who can support you such as The STD project provides an on line forum for people to share their stories.

Hepatitis B

If you test positive for Hepatitis B, your Better2Know doctor will advise you futher.  You may need to see a specialist who will carry out further tests to see the effect the virus is having on your body.  The specialist will be able to help you choose the best treatment options for you.  The majority of people who test positive find that their immune system will fight off the virus on its own, but careful monitoring of the infection is always recommended.

If treatment is required, it is a prescribed anti-viral medication.  The course can last up to six months during which time you will receive regular support and monitoring. This should clear the virus from your body.  You can then continue to lead your normal life.

Regardless of whether the infection is producing symptoms or not, you are advised to avoid alcohol, get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet.

Hepatitis C

If you test positive for Hepatitis C, your Better2Know doctor will advise you to see a specialist.  They will carry out further tests to see the effect the virus is having on your body.  They can then advise on the best treatment options for you. You can decide whether to continue this treatment with your Better2Know doctor or through your own doctor.

Treatment may include antiviral drugs to help your body combat the effects of the virus. You will be advised to have regular check-ups to monitor your reaction to the drugs.  There are a number of new treatments available which have few side effects and have proven to be highly effective in eliminating the Hepatitis C virus.

HPV/ Genital Warts/ Cervical Cancer

Better2Know tests for 20 HPV virus types. Most types are low risk, and the body can usually clear these on its own.  They can still be spread to new partners. There are some types which need medical attention.

Sexually transmitted HPVs fall into two categories:

  • Low-risk HPVs which do not cause cancer but can cause skin warts on or around the genitals or anus. Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.
  • High-risk HPVs which can cause cancer. Fourteen high-risk HPV types have been identified. Two of these, types 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of HPV-caused cancers.

Just because you test positive for HPV, even if it is a high risk type, it does not mean that you will go on to develop cervical cancer. You will be referred to a specialist (available through your Better2Know clinic or your own doctor) who will be able to recommend follow up tests and advise you on the most appropriate treatment for you.

There are organisations who can support you such as The STD project is an on line forum for people to share their stories.

If you have a confirmed genital wart this can be removed, usually through cryotherapy which involves freezing the infected cells.  There are also creams that can be prescribed to help remove warts, reduce their symptoms and prevent their recurrence.

HIV

HIV is no longer a life threatening condition, provided that medication is started early and taken regularly.  We will (if you would like) make you an appointment with an HIV doctor. They will do further tests to confirm your status, and to look at your CD4 levels and viral load.  They will use the results from these tests to help to decide the best medication for you. You will have regular consultations and blood tests to look at how well the medications are working.

There are lots of organisations and support groups that can support you.  We can help you to find a group near you.

All of your testing and referral with Better2Know is completely confidential, we will not share your results with anyone without your permission.