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Discreet STI Testing Services Now Available Throughout Cardiff
| Author: undefined | Published: 6th October 2019 10:34 |
Every year, the occurrence of STIs increases in the UK, with more and more people becoming infected. Many STIs are symptomless and so you may have one for months and years without even knowing it. During this time not only could you be causing damage to your own health, but infecting others at the same time.
Luckily, Cardiff residents have confidential STI services readily and easily available so they can get themselves tested to address this problem.
Why You Should Get Tested For STIs
In 2017, over 400,000 people were diagnosed with STIs in the UK. This works out to one person every four minutes. Of these, by far the most common diagnosis was chlamydia, an STI which affects both men and women, is often asymptomatic for both genders and can cause PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women. What is even more shocking about this figure is that experts believe many more people have undiagnosed STIs, meaning the number of those suffering from these diseases is actually much higher.
It is essential to be tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active, for the health and safety of yourself and others. STIs can be transmitted through not just sexual intercourse but also any kind of intimate contact, and affect both men and women. Some STIs can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.
STIs can have a range of unpleasant symptoms from itching and pain during urination to sores, rashes and abdominal pain. All STIs if left untreated can have severe impacts on your health. Some, such as Hepatitis C and HIV, can be life threatening if not treated. Additionally, STIs are highly infectious through sexual contact, meaning you are putting others at risk if you have an undiagnosed or untreated STI. Given how easy it is to have an STI test, there is no excuse not to be tested regularly.
Where Can I Get Tested in Cardiff?
Better2Know Cardiff has multiple clinics throughout the city, with locations in Llandough, Pentwyn and Cardiff Gate. All clinics offer comprehensive STI testing services. All tests are anonymous so that discretion is maintained at all times. Better2Know is a network of private doctors and nurses which is right across the country, with locations across Cardiff and across the UK. They are an award-winning service which has been recognised for offering the best medical advice and top quality laboratory testing.
What Does the Process Involve?
Better2Know clinics provide same day and next day appointments, which are available five days per week. Once you have made an appointment, you can come in to the clinic to be tested for a number of STIs. Common screenings and tests include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. In many cases, the clinic can offer “instant” screenings meaning you receive rapid results and can get peace of mind sooner.
Additionally, the clinic offers a “come to you” service, where a qualified nurse will make a private visit to your location of choice, whether your home, office or hotel. The nurse will then collect samples and arrange for them to be sent to the official laboratory for fast and accurate testing. All tests are anonymous and your case will be handled discreetly so you will not need to worry about friends, family or colleagues discovering these very personal details.
The clinic’s professional, experienced doctors and nurses are on hand to answer any questions, including what your diagnosis may mean and what your options are for treatment. If necessary, the clinic will refer you to consultants who specialise in infections such as HIV for further treatment.
If you are sexually active you can’t afford not to get tested for STIs. Even if you are in a long term relationship, or it has been some time since your last sexual activity, these tests are vital. Infections can be asymptomatic meaning that you may have had one for some time and not know it, and in the meantime you are putting others at risk. STIs can range from limited to severe and even life-threatening health effects, so don’t delay in booking yourself in for an appointment!
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