Category: Pillow Talk

No Sex is 100% safe – STIs happen!

No Sex is 100% safe – STIs happen!

We often hear the term ‘safe sex’ in reference to trying to lower the risk of passing on sexually transmitted infections with a sexual partner.   Whilst it is often referred to practicing ‘safe sex’ that term isn’t always accurate as no type of sex with a partner can be 100 percent safe.

No Sex is 100% Safe

Because many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) experience little or no symptoms, people may not be aware that they are carrying or passing them onto a partner.  Even those who are having consensual, partnered sex can get an STI – these infections do not discriminate!  Receiving a positive STI diagnosis can be tough, especially as there is often a stigma or shame that exists around the sexually transmitted infections.  Whilst it may feel intimidating to receive a positive result, its also important to remember that anyone who is engaging in sexual activity can get an STI.

If you want to reduce the risk of passing on an infection then it’s best to avoid exchanging body fluids including blood, ejaculate, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluids, and the discharge from sores caused by sexually transmitted infections.  Here are a few ways you can practice safer sex:

  • Using latex or internal condoms for vaginal or anal intercourse
  • Having oral sex instead of unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse
  • Using a latex condom to cover the penis for oral sex
  • Practising forms of outercourse such as kissing, mutual masturbation, or body rubbing with clothes on

You should choose Confidante because:

  1. No other testing lab or medical provider will check you for all 10 STI’s
  2. Completely private service from purchase to results
  3. Discreet delivery to preferred address
  4. The STI Test will not appear on your medical record
  5. Results will be available within 7 working days on receipt of your sample
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Why getting tested will have a positive impact on your sex life

Why getting tested will have a positive impact on your sex life

Testing is a very important part of any great sexual experience and as such, should be treated that way!

Taking an STI test means you’re about to have safer sex- what could be hotter than that?

We believe it’s time to change the way we think about testing and start thinking why it can have a positive impact on your sex life.

Love Sex, Hate STIs

STIs often have no symptoms or symptoms can go unnoticed. If you are sexually active and changing partners, we recommend that you test for STIs regularly.

If you are concerned about your sexual health due to a recent event, symptoms, a change in sexual partner or simply want peace of mind, Confidante home STI test kit offers the perfect solution.

If you’ve recently had unprotected sex, or you are worried that you may have come into contact with an STI, then you may want to test now and a few weeks later, this is because infections take different amounts of time to show up in tests.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea show up in tests up to 2 weeks after infection.

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Think long-term

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are often symptomless, but if left untreated can cause inflammation in the female reproductive system. This can increase the risk of fertility problems and ectopic pregnancy in some people. In men, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause the testicles and epididymis to become inflamed and painful.

If syphilis is left untreated for many years it can affect vital organs including the brain and heart.

Testing for and treating infections helps prevent the spread of STIs. If you change sexual partners, it is a good idea to do an STI test. If you are starting a new relationship, you should both get tested to ensure that you are not passing on an infection to each other without knowing it.

Why chose Confidante?

We want you to avoid any long term internal damage and make sure if you’re trying to get pregnant, you first gain a full peace of mind. Let’s avoid nasty complications in the long run get tested for 10 innovative yet straightforward tests.  You should choose Confidante because:

  1. No other testing lab or medical provider will check you for all 10 STI’s
  2. Completely private service from purchase to results
  3. Discreet delivery to preferred address
  4. The STI Test will not appear on your medical record
  5. Results will be available within 7 working days on receipt of your sample
BUY NOW

Valentine’s Day – Be Prepared. Be Ready. Be Safe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality – it is not just the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.  Your sexual health is just as important as your physical health.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging you to take control of your sexual health and safety.

Here are our top tips so you can be prepared, be ready & be safe on this annual day of love.

1. Be Prepared – get tested

 

If you are sexually active or have been in the past, it’s important you are checked regularly for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Some diseases that are contracted through sexual encounters do not cause significant symptoms or signs until several weeks, months, or even years after you’ve contracted them.  In fact, around 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms.

True intimacy means talking openly about how to have good safe sex. Don’t be afraid to have an honest chat with your partner(s) to figure out when was the last time each one of you was last tested, and for what.

Couple feet lounging

2. Be Ready – know the risks

You can relax and enjoy sex once you have a healthy awareness about the risks of penetrative sex and non-penetrative skin-to-skin contact. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) also provides advice and guidelines on STIs including symptoms and prevention of passing on viruses or bacteria. STIs that spread through skin-to-skin contact (and are tested through the Confidante Home Testing Kit) include:

3. Be Safe – use contraception

The more people you are sexually involved with, the more likely you are to get an STI or to get pregnant.  The best way to practice safe sex and lower your risk for getting an STI is to use contraception correctly every time you have a sexual encounter.  The effectiveness of your contraception is dependent on the type you use and whether you use it correctly.  The NHS advises that you follow the instructions and use your contraception carefully for it to be as effective as possible.

There are widely available options for contraception, including:

  • Natural family planning
  • Condoms
  • Contraceptive pill
  • Contraceptive injection
  • Contraceptive patch
  • Vaginal ring
  • Contraceptive implant
  • Intrauterine device or system (IUD/IUS)
  • Diaphragms and caps
Contraception in pocket

Testing with Confidence

Buy Online

Buy Online

Purchase your test kit with confidence. Transactions are handled safely & securely

Register Kit

Register Kit

Register your kit online once it arrives. You must do this to receive your results

Collect & Post

Collect & Post

Take a urine / swab sample & post back to us using the pre-paid envelope provided

Receive Results

Receive Results

Your confidential results will be available 7 working days from receipt of your sample

Unlike other standard STI home testing kits, Confidante will test for 10 of the most common STIs and will detect even those infections that do not show any symptoms, providing a comprehensive profile of your sexual health.  All for just £45.

Results are available within 7 days by telephone, electronically or in person at Randox Health Clinics.

It’s a completely private service, no appointment needed, and no waiting room delays.

We test for the following STIs:

Testing-for-10-STIs

Testing for STIs during Lockdown

The UK government released an ‘Impact of COVID-19’ report at the end of last year which showed that there was a “resurgence in HIV, STIs and hepatitis tests and diagnoses, and an increase in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment initiations observed from June 2020, following the easing of national lockdown restrictions” in England.  But overall, the report stated that the numbers of tests, diagnoses and treatment of infections in the summer of 2020 was significantly lower than the same time period in 2019.

 

Blurred image of man walking

This reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be associated with people’s compliance with social distancing measures with experts hailing it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to drive down infections permanently as people aren’t having sex with new partners and passing on diseases.

Dr John McSorley, a sexual health doctor and president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (Bashh), told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, “If we could test and treat everybody for their infections now, that would be a game-changer going forward as people slowly move towards normality.”  Most STIs can be successfully cured with the correct antibiotics and Dr McSorley wants people to get tested now, even if you aren’t showing symptoms.

With 54% of UK sexual health services currently closed and 38% of sexual health staff redeployed to other parts of the NHS, Confidante can help you with any STI advice, diagnoses or treatment.

Confidante avoids any embarrassing examinations, allowing you to take a test in the privacy of your own home. It is specifically designed to be straightforward to use, with all you need included in our discreetly packaged kit. We have made the entire process as convenient as possible with pre-paid envelopes, user-friendly instructions and more to ensure a simple, hassle-free process.

THE PROCESS

Buy Online

Buy Online

Purchase your test kit with confidence. Transactions are handled safely & securely

Register Kit

Register Kit

Register your kit online once it arrives. You must do this to receive your results

Collect & Post

Collect & Post

Take a urine / swab sample & post back to us using the pre-paid envelope provided

Receive Results

Receive Results

Your confidential results will be available 7 working days from receipt of your sample

Unlike other standard STI home testing kits, Confidante will test for 10 of the most common STIs and will detect even those infections that do not show any symptoms, providing a comprehensive profile of your sexual health.  All for just £45.

Results are available within 7 days by telephone, electronically or in person at Randox Health Clinics.

It’s a completely private service, no appointment needed, and no waiting room delays.

We test for the following STIs:

Testing-for-10-STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or blood products. Many STIs—including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, primarily hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis—can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.

More than 1 million STI’s are acquired every day. Each year, there are estimated 357 million new infections with 1 of 4 STI’s: chlamydia (131 million), gonorrhoea (78 million), syphilis (5.6 million) and trichomoniasis (143 million).

Below are some key facts reported by the WHO:

Key facts

  • More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.
  • Each year, there are an estimated 357 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
  • More than 500 million people are estimated to have genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV).
  • More than 290 million women have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (1).
  • The majority of STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms that may not be recognized as an STI.
  • STIs such as HSV type 2 and syphilis can increase the risk of HIV acquisition.
  • Over 900 000 pregnant women were infected with syphilis resulting in approximately 350 000 adverse birth outcomes including stillbirth in 2012.
  • In some cases, STI’s can have serious reproductive health consequences beyond the immediate impact of the infection itself (e.g., infertility or mother-to-child transmission)
  • Drug resistance, especially for gonorrhoea, is a major threat to reducing the impact of STI’s worldwide.

If your worried about having an STI, Check out more details about confidante here!

Recent STI Statistics

STI Statistics: Public Health England (PHE) has revealed in a report that overall rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remained stable in 2017 compared to 2016. However, there are a number of key statistics about increases of the number of cases of Syphilis and Gonorrhoea.

Important STI Statistics:

  • In 2017, there were approximately 422,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) made in England, around the same number that was reported in 2016.
  • There were 7,137 diagnoses of syphilis reported in 2017, a 20% increase (from 5,955) relative to the year prior and a 148% increase relative to 2008.
  • There were 44,676 diagnoses of gonorrhoea reported in 2017, a 22% increase (from 36,577) relative to the year prior.
  • There were 441 diagnoses of first episode genital warts in 15 to 17 year old girls in 2017, a 90% decrease relative to 2009 and an early expression of the success of the national HPV immunisation programme.
  • Over 1.3 million chlamydia tests were carried out and over 126,000 chlamydia diagnoses were made among young people aged 15 to 24 years. There was an 8% decline in the number of chlamydia tests in 2017 compared to 2016.
  • The impact of STIs remains greatest in young heterosexuals 15 to 24 years; black ethnic minorities; and gay, bisexual and other MSM.

If you are worried about your sexual health or just want to get tested but don’t want to be embarrassed by going to a gum clinic. We’ve got a solution. We offer a home sti kit that tests for 10 different STI’s. You can do it from the comfort of your own home. STI Statistics don’t lie. Click here to find out more! Contact a member of our team to find out more information, Here! Don’t worry it will all be confidential, your privacy matters to us.

Syphilis cases amongst 18-24 year olds up 12% in a year

A report this week has found that fewer young people are being tested for sexually transmitted infections, despite a sharp rise in cases.

Whilst the ratio of 18-24 year olds testing positive for chlamydia, the most common sexual infection, has increased to almost one in ten, testing for the condition has fallen by a quarter in just five years.

The report, conducted by the Royal College of Nursing, also noted that cases of syphilis have jumped by 12% – a statistic which Helen Donovan, Professional Lead for Public Health at the Royal College of Nursing has described as “worrying”.

Helen said; “If people are not able to access services then serious STIs could go undiagnosed and untreated – it is a major risk to public health.”

The experts behind the report have put the lack of testing down to “understaffed services going to extreme lengths to try to cope, even turning people away.”  A survey of 600 nurses working in the field found most had turned patients away because of insufficient resources.

Dr Olwen Williams, President of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV said of the issue; “These important findings provide yet more evidence that sexual health services have reached tipping point in this country.

“Despite the best efforts of staff to maintain standards, persistent and damaging cuts to the local authority public health budget in recent years have led to clinic closures and a worrying increase in the number of patients being unable to access the care they need.”

This is in spite of the NHS currently having to spend £620 million a year treating STIs, some of which have very serious complications, including infertility.

Syphilis in particular, is a condition that needs to be taken seriously. If left untreated, it can cause mental deterioration, blindness, deafness, all sorts of issues with the central nervous system and eventually leads to early death. Pregnant women can pass the condition on to their unborn baby, which can cause stillbirth or death shortly after labour.

Thankfully though, the sexually transmitted infection can be successfully cured with the correct antibiotics, if diagnosed early, so it is important to get tested before it’s too late.

If you’re worried about STIs, but are anxious about going to the Sexual Health Clinic, you can instead take an STI test from the privacy of your own home. You can avail of the world’s first and only home STI testing kit for 10 STIs – Confidante.

A completely private service, no appointment needed, and no waiting room delays. There really is no excuse not to get tested.

Order your kit online today: www.confidantetest.com/basket

Grooming pubic hair: increased STI risk

pillow-talk-blog-sti-increaseA survey of around 7,500 people between the ages of 18 and 65 has revealed that pubic hair “groomers” had a higher rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

The study was carried out by researchers from The University of California and the University of Texas aimed to assess the relationship between grooming habits and sexually transmitted infections.
It suggests that grooming could lead to small tears in the skin (micro-tears) which may make a person more vulnerable to catching certain types of STIs that can be spread via skin-to-skin contact, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV). It also highlights that groomers – particularly extreme ones – tend to be more sexually active too. STIs are passed on through unprotected sex or genital contact.

Extreme grooming hazardous

The most commonly used trimming tool for men was an electric razor, whilst a manual razor was more common among women. 1 in 5 of both male and female claimed to use scissors. The researchers advised that doctors should advise groomers to cut back a little on their grooming or put off having sex until the skin has totally healed.
Approximately three quarters of respondents said they had groomed their pubic hair before – 94% of women and 66% of men said they’d trimmed, shaved or waxed in the past. 17% of the groomers described themselves as “extreme” – removing all hair at least once a month – and 22% as “high frequency” – trimming daily or weekly. Those with the most extreme grooming habits were 3 to 4 times more likely to contract an STI, particularly infections from skin to skin contact such as herpes and HPV.

On the other hand…

The good side of grooming was that the habit was proven to protect against pubic lice. The report said: “If grooming is found to protect against lice, individuals at risk for pubic lice could be counselled to remove their pubic hair.

If you’re a pubic hair groomer and think you could be at risk of having an STI (remember that many STI infections do not show any symptoms) then Confidante can help! Testing for 10 of the most common STIs from the privacy of your own home – Confidante allows you to be confident about your sexual health.

 

Why are instances of STIs rising in over 45’s?

pillow-talk-blog-imageAre we ageist when it comes to sexual health? That’s a concern raised this week following the publication of a report which looks at why instances of STIs in the over 45s are on the rise.
Between 2011 – 2015 in England, instances of Chlamydia went up by 63% in five years. Conversely in the 15 – 24 year old population, it fell. Glasgow Caledonian University researcher Jenny Dalrymple puts that down a higher rate of older adults divorcing and changing partners, as well as a population more able to be sexually active for longer in life.

She warned that this is an area of public health which has to date been ignored. Dalrymple found that STI knowledge was limited; stating that “Most participants had heard about gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, general warts and HIV, but beyond recognising the names they were often unsure about any further detailed information.”
A major obstacle to dealing with STIs she believes, is the fact that old stigmas have endured. Limited sexual education in the 60s, 70s and 80s often left behind a sense of moral disapproval. “The little they had learned about STIs was usually in the context of promiscuous sexual behaviour being condemned and disease being seen as a consequence – with worse stigma where women were concerned,” she said. “As a result, many participants had gone through life regarding STIs as something to be ashamed of.”

Dalrymple calls for public health officials to launch a new directive aimed at tackling the growing numbers of older adults presenting with STIs. She says this is particularly important around people emerging from lengthy relationships. It follows warnings of a ‘super gonorrhoea’ which has been identified in England, Japan and the US. It prompted a national alert last year, once it was discovered that one of the most common forms of treatment was useless.

The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2016’ report also showed that the UK has the highest rate of gonorrhoea in Europe (59.7 cases per 100,000), with Ireland coming second (28.3 per 100,000). The average is 20 per 100,000.

STIs pass from person to person during sexual activity. You are at risk of picking one up if you have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex or share sex toys with an infected person. It is important to get checked out if you think you may have an STI because early diagnosis can prevent you from developing complications. One way of doing this is to visit a genito-urinary medicine clinic.

Or you could get tested at home.

Randox has created the world’s first over-the-counter sexually transmitted disease testing kit. In the privacy of your own home, you can be tested for ten of the most commons STIs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• Herpes simplex I
• Herpes simplex II
• Tichomonas vaginalis
• Mycoplasma hominis
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma urealticum
• Chancroid

This is what some of our clients have told us:
“When I found out my ex had an STI, I was really worried I might have one too. This test was a really easy way to check myself out, and was so relieved to find out everything is OK,” Gemma, Newtownabbey.
“This test has completely put my mind at ease. I was too embarrassed to go to the GUM clinic in the hospital, so once I found out I could test myself from home, it was such a relief to know I didn’t have to go through all that. Thanks so much for your help,” Melissa, Essex.
“Only found out about Confidante from an online search for STI tests, but so glad I did. Got the all clear 3 days after I posted the test off, so no need for any embarrassing talks with the ex!” Tony, London.

Click here to purchase your kit.

Fact File: The 10 Most Common STI’s

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Confidante specialises in testing you for the 10 most common Sexually Transmitted Infections from the comfort of your home. We’ve compiled a fact file to inform you about each of these infections:

  1. Chlamydia
  • The most common STI
  • Affects both men and women of all ages
  • Passed on through unprotected sex

Caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia can lead to serious health issues, including infertility. It can be treated with antibiotics, therefore early testing and diagnosis is crucial. Many cases of Chlamydia are not reported as it does not always show symptoms; therefore the individual may not suspect they have an infection.

  1. Gonorrhoea
  • The second most common STI
  • Young men & women are affected the most
  • Passed on through unprotected sex

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. It can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of a female’s reproductive system. It can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes and anus. Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics, but like most STIs, other complications result from long term untreated/repeated infections.

  1. Syphilis
  • Over 3,000 new cases reported each year in the UK
  • Pregnant women can pass syphilis onto their unborn baby
  • Passed on through unprotected sex & skin contact

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Primary syphilis is when sores appear at the point where the bacteria entered the body. Secondary syphilis occurs when untreated sores have appeared and healed. It is still infectious and maintains its ability to be passed on. Tertiary syphilis is a progression from untreated secondary syphilis. Untreated syphilis can, after many years, cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, internal organs and nervous system.

  1. Herpes Simplex 1
  • Causes sores around the mouth and lips
  • More than 90% of the population is positive for herpes 1
  • Mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact

Herpes simplex 1 is from the herpes simplex virus family and causes sores around the mouth and lips which are sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores. This virus is likely to reoccur more often than herpes 2 and is transmitted through oral sex. It can sometimes cause genital sores as well. Herpes usually does not lead to complications, although, outbreaks are common and can be painful.

  1. Herpes Simplex 2
  • Causes painful blisters on the genitals & surrounding areas
  • Common in the age group of 20-24 year olds
  • Contracted by having sex with someone who has herpes 2

More commonly known as genital herpes, Herpes simplex 2 is from the herpes simplex virus family and is a chronic long-term condition. This virus causes painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas and is transmitted by having any form of sex. Type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex are different strains of the virus within the same family.

  1. Trichomonas vaginalis
  • Affects both men & women
  • 6000 cases diagnosed annually
  • Spread by having unprotected sex

Whilst trichomonas affects both men and women, women are more likely to experience its symptoms. It’s caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, and diagnosis is often difficult as there are usually no symptoms. Complications related to this STI are rare, however it can weaken the protective mucus barrier of the cervix, which helps prevent infection of the female reproductive organs.

  1. Mycoplasma hominis
  • Affects up to 50% of sexually active males & females
  • Present in almost all humans in the urinary tract
  • Can cause vaginitis & pelvic inflammatory disease in women

Mycoplasma hominis is a common mollicute bacterium, present in all humans in the urinary tract. However, it can sometimes cause infection which can be transmitted sexually. It’s different from other STIs, in that monogamous couples can suddenly experience mycoplasma hominis even after years of exclusivity. The symptoms are similar to many other STIs and it is often mistaken for gonorrhoea or chlamydia. It is also possible to have mycoplasma hominis and not experience any symptoms at all.

  1. Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Spread by having unprotected sex
  • Lesser known STI but is very common
  • Can cause endometritis in women

Mycoplasma genitalium has similarities to both chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Most infections do not show any symptoms and therefore, it is difficult to know if you have it without being tested.

  1. Ureaplasma urealyticum
  • Left untreated it can cause infertility
  • Left untreated it can cause still birth
  • Extremely contagious & spread through unprotected sex

Ureaplasma urealyticum often has no symptoms and a large percentage of people do not experience any problems at all. However, it can cause symptoms and further complications in some people. Left untreated, it can be associated with infertility, premature or still birth, non-specific urethritis, meningitis and pneumonia. If the infection is left untreated for several months it can spread to other parts of the body and damage joints, nerves and muscles.

  1. Chancroid
  • Less common in the UK – more common in Asia and Africa
  • More than 9 million people are infected annually
  • It is highly contagious but easily treated

Chancroid is an STI caused by haemophilus ducreyi bacterium. Early signs of chancroid may be mistaken for syphilis, yet the sores will grow to a larger size and will be more painful. Any sexually active person can be infected with chancroid. Although less common in the UK, it is a lot more common in Asia and Africa.

 

Confidante can test for these 10 common STI’s using 1 single test in t
he privacy of your own home, providing a comprehensive profile of your sexual health.

So if you are concerned about your sexual health due to a recent event, symptoms, a change in sexual partner or simply want peace of mind, Confidante home STI test kit offers the perfect solution.

 

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