What are the common symptoms of Gonorrhea in females? (INFOGRAPHIC)

Women can notice a change in vaginal discharge,- it could increase, change yellow or green or have a strong smell. They may also experience pain when passing urine, itching or discharge from the anus or lower stomach pain. However, some women may have no symptoms at all.

Men may have a yellow or white discharge (liquid) from the penis, pain or tingling when passing urine, inflammation of the testicles, or discharge or discomfort in the anus. Gonorrhea in the eyes can cause redness and irritation. Less commonly, gonorrhea can cause inflammation of the joints and tendons, skin lesions or, rarely, can affect the brain and heart.

Know more: https://www.testd.com/gonorrhea/

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Online tool which help you to select the appropriate STI test

Safe, Discreet and Reliable

Sexual health can be a difficult topic to openly discuss. For many, the idea of attending a specialist public clinic to discuss their most intimate experiences is uncomfortable. However, obtaining a diagnosis need not be arduous or even embarrassing. We have designed an online tool which guides you which test to select.

Please click the link below in order to obtain a free online test, no personal details required during the online consultation.

How TESTD works

First and foremost, TESTD empowers you to have control over your health concerns. The service is simple and straightforward. The test is ordered online. Order before 4 pm and the kit will be dispatched the next day in plain packaging. The instructions are easy to follow. You provide a sample. Blood samples are from a finger prick. The samples are returned to our lab in a self-address envelope provided and your results are sent via SMS.

Testing is important

In 2017, 3.3 million people attended sexual health clinics across the UK. There have been dramatic increases in the number of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis cases. Yet, diagnosed early, each of these STIs is treatable and most are curable. For many of us, getting tested quickly will ensure that we receive the appropriate treatment and return to being STI-free.

Getting an STI is not a catastrophe, but not seeking a diagnosis or treatment might well be. Our services are practical and efficient. We are not here to judge you; we want to help you to live a healthy life free from anxiety and worry.

Blog Source:https://www.testd.com/online-tool-which-help-you-to-select-the-appropriate-sti-test/

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Gonorrhoea Test - IS THIS TEST RIGHT FOR ME?

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection brought about by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

Gonorrhea is easily treated. In any case, if left untreated in women, gonorrhea can spread to other reproductive organs (the womb and the fallopian tubes), causing long-term pain, blocked tubes, infertility and ectopic pregnancy (this is when a pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube rather than in the womb). If untreated in men, gonorrhea can cause a painful infection in the testicles and prostate gland.

How do I catch gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhea can be easily passed on from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex. The use of sex toys can also cause gonorrhea to spread if they are not washed properly or covered in a new condom each time they are used.

Bacterial infects the cells in the cervix lining, urethra, rectum and sometimes the eyes and throat. You cannot catch it from kissing, sharing towels, swimming pools, sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Women can notice a change in vaginal discharge,- it could increase, change yellow or green or have a strong smell. They may also experience pain when passing urine, itching or discharge from the anus or lower stomach pain. However, some women may have no symptoms at all.

Men may have a yellow or white discharge (liquid) from the penis, pain or tingling when passing urine, inflammation of the testicles, or discharge or discomfort in the anus.Gonorrhea in the eyes can cause redness and irritation. Less commonly, gonorrhea can cause inflammation of the joints and tendons, skin lesions or, rarely, can affect the brain and heart.

Content Source: https://www.testd.com/gonorrhea/

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Hepatitis C home Test Kit - Is This Test Right for Me?

If you simply want to exclude the possibility that you might have Hepatitis C then this is the right test for you. If you are not sure and have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, then we recommend our END THE WORRY screen in which we test for the most common 10 different infections. To see the list of all the tests please click on END THE WORRY screen below.

A discreet Test kit is dispatched simply at your given address. The sample is forwarded to the laboratory using our self addressed envelope. Results are sent via a text message.

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne liver infection, a vital organ of the body. There are many ways to catch hepatitis C. It’s possible to catch it through having unprotected sex.

How do I catch hepatitis C?

The most common way to catch hepatitis C is by sharing contaminated needles, spoons, and filters to inject drugs.

There are other rare causes as well, such as sexual transmission, transmission from mother to child, or any surgical procedures abroad where sterilization of instruments is not optimal.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Many people do not experience any symptoms when they become infected with hepatitis C.

Some people may have flu-like symptoms including tiredness, loss of appetite, joint pains and nausea some weeks after being infected.

Some infected people remain well throughout their lives and develop no problems to their liver.

However, other people can develop longstanding (chronic) hepatitis C infection and have symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice ongoing tiredness, nausea, vomiting or unexplained weight loss. Without treatment this will eventually lead to liver failure, which is life-threatening.


Blog Source: https://www.testd.com/hepatitis-c-2/

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What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B? (Infographic)

The majority of people with hepatitis B do not even know that they are infected and for those that are infected they may not see any symptoms of many years.

On occasion individuals infected with hepatitis B may have some symptoms after the initial infection. These could be a mild flu-like illness, feeling sick and vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, and dark urine) or itchy skin.

Know more: https://www.testd.com/hepatitis-b/

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6 Symptoms of Hiv

Most people who get HIV will have some symptoms within a few weeks of acquiring the virus. It is important to point out that not all people recently infected will have noticeable symptoms so do not use lack of symptoms as an excuse not to be tested!

 Know more: https://www.testd.com/hiv/

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Why is Chlamydia Often Described as the Silent Disease?

People infected with Chlamydia quite often display absolutely no symptoms. Around 70% of women and 50% of men infected with Chlamydia have no obvious symptoms. That is why Chlamydia is often described as the "silent disease".

If left untreated, Chlamydia infections can develop into serious reproductive and general health problems. Like the disease itself, the damage that Chlamydia causes is often "silent."

If you just want to make sure that you don’t have Chlamydia, then a postal / Lab chlamydia test would be appropriate for you. Chlamydia can be easily tested by taking a swab or by using a urine test.

If you are confused about your symptoms and not sure which test to go for then our END THE WORRY screen is a better choice, in which we test for the most common 10 different infections, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Hepatitis B & more, so we can correctly identify the root cause.

It is impossible to know the underlying cause of your symptoms without being tested. Do not attempt to guess which bacteria is present as many produce similar symptoms.

For more information visit our blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Blog Source: https://www.testd.com/why-is-chlamydia-often-described-as-the-silent-disease/

 

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Home STI Test - How it Works ( Infographic)

You will be supplied with an easy-to-use sample collection kit, with full instructions on how to use it. If you are requesting tests that need blood samples, these are collected from a finger prick sample.

Once collected, your samples are then sent to the laboratory in the enclosed pre-paid mailer provided in your kit. Once received in the laboratory, your samples will be processed with results available within the fastest possible times.

Know more: https://www.testd.com/how-it-works/

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What is HIV?

HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious viral infection that is spread through body fluids, including through sexual intercourse, and this includes vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex. The virus attacks our immune system to make us more susceptible to infections and disease.

HIV can also be spread by needle stick contamination, by sharing needles; receiving surgical treatment in foreign countries (where sterilization of equipment may not meet the standards of developed countries) and sometimes it can be passed from the mother to a child during the birth process or through breast feeding.

HIV is found in the bodily fluids of an infected person, which includes semen, vaginal, anal fluids, and blood and breast milk.  HIV virus thrives inside a person’s body, however does not survive long outside the body. HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat or urine.

For more information visit our blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Can You Do An HIV Test At Home?

Symptoms of HIV may not appear for many years; therefore the only way to find out if one has HIV is to have an HIV test.

Any individual who thinks he could have an HIV should get testd.

HIV Lab Test Kit is easy to use at home. Blood Sample is collected via a simple finger prick method and sent to our partner lab for testing, in a self-addressed envelope provided inside the kit.

TESTD provides 5th generation HIV testing, which is the latest technology available. The test seeks to detect both antigens and antibodies. The test can detect HIV antigens (p24) as early as 10 days after exposure but it should be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.

Individual between the ages of 13 to 64 years must go for HIV testing as per the guidelines of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP)

Apart from this certain groups of people are at high risk hence advised to have regular tests:

• Men who have sex with men should have an HIV test once a year or every three months if they are having unprotected sex with casual or new partners.
  
  
• Black African men and women should have an HIV test and a regular STI screen, if they are having unprotected sex with casual or new partners.
  
  

For more information visit our blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.


Blog Source: http://www.testd.com/can-you-do-an-hiv-test-at-home/

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HIV - THE MYTHS

There is a common myth that it is something that only affects gay men. While gay men are disproportionately affected, the majority of new diagnoses in the UK are in the heterosexual population and a third of all HIV diagnoses are in women.

Coming into contact with an infected person will not lead to oneself putting at risk of HIV. HIV is carried in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. One cannot catch HIV by sharing a toothbrush or through coming in into contact with someone's saliva, e.g. by sharing a glass.

A person who knows his or her HIV positive status and is on medication is less likely to be able to pass on the infection than someone who is HIV positive and is unaware of his or her status. Being on treatment reduces the viral load and makes people less infectious.

 For more information visit our blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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What are the risk factors for HIV infection?

As per the guidelines of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP). People with the higher risk of HIV infection should get tested every 6 months or every year.

Some factors that increase the risk of HIV infection are as follows:

• Having unprotected sex
• Sharing infected syringes/needles
• Suffering from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as syphilis
• Suffering from tuberculosis or hepatitis

One needs to talk to his/her healthcare provider if you are suffering from any above situation to confirm how often you should take the test.

Content Source: http://www.testd.com/what-are-the-risk-factors-for-hiv-infection/

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What is the main cause of chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection & is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, which affects the cervix and the urethra in women and the urethra in men.

Accounting for almost half of all STI diagnoses in 2014 according to Public Health England figures.

It is usually associated with people under 25, making age a risk factor; however it can be caught by anyone. It can be treated and will cause no problems if caught early. However, if left untreated it can have an effect on your health.

Chlamydia is an infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which is usually spread through sexual contact. This is a bacterium which infects cells in the cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes the eyes or throat.

Chlamydia is the most common STI and, quite often, there are no outward symptoms to indicate that anything is wrong.  Chlamydia can, if left untreated, cause very unwelcome complications.

In up to 40 percent of women, untreated infections can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues and lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an ectopic pregnancy. Women infected with Chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed.

Blog Source: http://www.testd.com/what-is-the-main-cause-of-chlamydia/

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A Brief detail of Gonorrhoea Test Kit

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection brought about by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. The bacteria are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid.

The bacteria can affect the urethra, vagina, rectum, throat, and eyes. It is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through, unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, sharing vibrator or other sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom.

Gonorrhoea is easily treated. In any case, if left untreated in women, gonorrhoea can spread to other reproductive organs (the womb and the fallopian tubes), causing long-term pain, blocked tubes, infertility and ectopic pregnancy (this is when a pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube rather than in the womb). If untreated in men, gonorrhoea can cause a painful infection in the testicles and prostate gland.

For more information visit our blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Source of the blog: http://www.testd.com/a-brief-detail-of-gonorrhoea-test-kit/

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What are the Symptoms of HIV?

Most people who get HIV will have some symptoms within a few weeks of acquiring the virus. It is important to point out that not all people recently infected will have noticeable symptoms so do not use lack of symptoms as an excuse not to be tested!

At first individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, these can include:

• diarrhoea
• headaches
• fatigue
• sore throat
• muscle aches and pains

If these symptoms do occur they can subside for a number of years and the HIV can go undetected in the body, but during this time the virus will multiply and can be passed on to other people.

For more information visit our blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.


Blog Source: https://www.testd.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-hiv/

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Chlamydia: Symptoms in Men & Women

A large percentage of people with chlamydia will not encounter any obvious symptoms 50% of men and 70-80% of women. However many do experience some signs of chlamydia and could recognize one or more of the following symptoms.

Men

• Burning sensation when passing urine
• Discharge from the urethra
• Pain in the testicles

Women

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation when passing urine
• Bleeding between periods
• Abdominal pain
• Pain during intercourse

Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and can sometimes cause infertility in women.

In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to premature births. Babies born to infected mothers can get Chlamydia infections in their eyes and their respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is the most frequent cause of pneumonia and conjunctivitis in new-born babies.

Blog source: https://www.testd.com/chlamydia-symptoms-in-men-and-women/

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Everything You Need To Know About HIV Home Testing Kit

IS THIS TEST RIGHT FOR ME?

HIV Lab Test Kit is easy to use at home. Blood Sample is collected via a simple finger prick method and sent to our partner lab for testing, in a self-addressed envelope provided inside the kit.

TESTD provides 5th generation HIV testing, which is the latest technology available. The test seeks to detect both antigens and antibodies. The test can detect HIV antigens (p24) as early as 10 days after exposure but it should be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.

If you are confused about your symptoms and not sure which test to go for, then we recommend our END THE WORRY screen in which we test for the most common 10 different infections, including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea & Hepatitis B, so we can correctly identify the root cause.

A discreet Test kit is dispatched simply at your given address. The sample is forwarded to the laboratory using our self-addressed envelope. Results are sent via a text message.

 What is HIV?

HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious viral infection that is spread through body fluids, including through sexual intercourse, and this includes vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex. HIV can also be spread by needle stick contamination, by sharing needles, receiving surgical treatment in foreign countries (where sterilization of equipment may not meet the standards of developed countries) and sometimes it can be passed from the mother to a child during the birth process or through breast feeding.

HIV is found in the bodily fluids of an infected person which includes semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood and breast milk. HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat or urine. It thrives inside a person’s body, however does not survive long outside the body.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Not everyone that is infected by HIV will show signs or symptoms of the infection. At first individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, these can include:

•           Diarrhoea

•           Headaches

•           Fatigue

•           Sore Throat

•           Muscle Aches and Pains

If these symptoms do occur they can subside for a number of years and the HIV can go undetected in the body, but during this time the virus will multiply and can be passed on to other people.

What's the big deal with HIV?

If left alone and not managed or treated with antiviral tablets, the infection can lead on to a condition called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), where the immune system becomes weakened and this could eventually lead to life-threatening infections and even cancers.

AIDS is the last and final stage of the HIV infection; this is when your body can no longer fight the infection.

However, if caught early through testing, with the correct antiviral medication, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS.

Around 20% of people living in the UK with HIV are thought to be undiagnosed and are unaware that they are carrying the infection. 

This increases the risk to their partners and themselves of developing serious ill-health problems.

If you have had sex with someone who may be HIV positive you can reduce your chances of infection by starting a PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment within 72 hours of exposure to the virus. You will need to attend your local A&E department for this treatment.

HIV home testing

A discreet Test kit is provided simply at home & sample then forwarded to the laboratory using our self-addressed envelope.

If you think you have been exposed to the risk of HIV then you should get tested immediately.

TESTD offers the latest in HIV testing technology. If you are generally concerned for your health and would like the total peace of mind we offer the next day 5th Generation HIV Duo test. This is the most advanced method of testing for HIV and can be done from day 28 onwards following a potential exposure.

The 5th generation HIV Duo test looks for both antibodies and the p24 antigen for HIV and is incredibly accurate (over 99.9% sensitivity).

Please note that it is possible to test for HIV from day 10 after a potential exposure by taking an early detection screen, however it should always be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.

Blog Source: https://www.testd.com/

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Hepatitis B Home Test Kit

IS THIS TEST RIGHT FOR ME?

If you simply want to exclude the possibility that you might have Hepatitis B then this is the right test for you. If you have any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, then we recommend our END THE WORRY screen in which we test for the most common 10 different infections, including Hepatitis B, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV & more, so we can correctly identify the root cause. The Hepatitis B test only checks for Hepatitis B: if you have another infection then this will not be picked up by this test.

A discreet Test kit is dispatched simply at your given address. The sample is forwarded to the laboratory using our self-addressed envelope. Results are sent via a text message.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a contamination of the liver brought about by the hepatitis B infection. It is extremely infectious (100 times more infectious than HIV) and is easily transmitted through unprotected sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs.

A great many people who contract hepatitis B don’t have side effects. In the event that side effects do occur they can be seen one to six months subsequent to coming into contact with the infection. The disease can continue for a long time and quietly cause extreme liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

The majority of people with hepatitis B do not even know that they are infected and for those that are infected they may not see any symptoms of many years.

On occasion, individuals infected with hepatitis B may have some symptoms after the initial infection. These could be a mild flu-like illness, feeling sick and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, and dark urine) or itchy skin.

Blog source: https://www.testd.com/

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Order HIV Home Test Kit Online

HIV Lab Test Kit is easy to use at home. Blood Sample is collected via a simple finger prick method and sent to our partner lab for testing, in a self-addressed envelope provided inside the kit.

TESTD provides 5th generation HIV testing, which is the latest technology available. The test seeks to detect both antigens and antibodies. The test can detect HIV antigens (p24) as early as 10 days after exposure but it should be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.

If you are confused about your symptoms and not sure which test to go for, then we recommend our END THE WORRY screen in which we test for the most common 10 different infections, including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea & Hepatitis B, so we can correctly identify the root cause.

A discreet Test kit is dispatched simply at your given address. The sample is forwarded to the laboratory using our self-addressed envelope. Results are sent via a text message.

Blog Source: https://www.testd.com/

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Herpes FAQs (Infographic)

Genital herpes is brought about by the herpes simplex infection (HSV). There are two types, HSV 1 and 2. Both types can infect the genital and anal area (genital herpes), the mouth and nose and fingers and hand (whitlows).

For more details visit: https://www.testd.com/herpes/

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Herpes Home Test Kit Online

IS THIS TEST RIGHT FOR ME?

This combined test offers you better value than being tested for either of Herpes I and II.

If you are confused about your symptoms and not sure which test to go for, then we recommend our END THE WORRY screen in which we test for the most common 10 different infections including Herpes I and II,Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B & more.

A discreet Test kit is dispatched simply at your given address. The sample is forwarded to the laboratory using our self-addressed envelope. Results are sent via a text message.

What is herpes?

Genital herpes is brought about by the herpes simplex infection (HSV). There are two types, HSV 1 and 2. Both types can infect the genital and anal area (genital herpes), the mouth and nose and fingers and hand (whitlows).

How do I catch herpes?

The infection enters the body through little breaks in the skin or the lining of the mouth, vagina, urethra and under the foreskin.

The herpes virus can be passed on by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, sharing sex toys, and skin-to-skin contact.

It is possible for a pregnant woman to pass the infection to her infant in the event that she has a flare-up at the time of giving birth.

What are the symptoms of herpes?

When infected with the herpes virus, some people will experience an outbreak of genital herpes.

Symptoms may consist of flu-like symptoms and stinging, tingling or itching in the genital or anal area. Small fluid-filled blisters may appear, which burst to become painful ulcers. It may be very painful to pass urine.

The symptoms normally get better by themselves, and the virus then becomes inactive and remains in the body. In some people the virus can become active again from time to time, and cause further outbreaks of genital herpes – known as recurrent herpes. Some people can catch the herpes virus and never develop any symptoms.

Source: https://www.testd.com/herpes/

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Four Important FAQ of HIV you should know

What is HIV?

HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious viral infection that is spread through body fluids, including through sexual intercourse, and this includes vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex. HIV can also be spread by needle stick contamination, by sharing needles, receiving surgical treatment in foreign countries (where sterilization of equipment may not meet the standards of developed countries) and sometimes it can be passed from the mother to a child during the birth process or through breast feeding.

HIV is found in the bodily fluids of an infected person which includes semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood and breast milk. HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat or urine. It thrives inside a persons body, however does not survive long outside the body.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Not everyone that is infected by HIV will show signs or symptoms of the infection. At first individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, these can include:

• diarrhoea
• headaches
• fatigue
• sore throat
• muscle aches and pains

If these symptoms do occur they can subside for a number of years and the HIV can go undetected in the body, but during this time the virus will multiply and can be passed on to other people.

What's the big deal with HIV?

If left alone and not managed or treated with antiviral tablets, the infection can lead on to a condition called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), where the immune system becomes weakened and this could eventually lead to life threatening infections and even cancers.

AIDS is the last and final stage of the HIV infection; this is when your body can no longer fight the infection.

However, if caught early through testing, with the correct antiviral medication, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS.

Around 20% of people living in the UK with HIV are thought to be undiagnosed and are unaware that they are carrying the infection. This increases the risk to their partners and themselves of developing serious ill-health problems.

If you have have had sex with someone who may be HIV positive you can reduce your chances of infection by starting a PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment within 72 hours of exposure to the virus. You will need to attend your local A&E department for this treatment.

HIV home testing

A discreet Test kit is provided simply at home & sample then forwarded to the laboratory using our self addressed envelope.

If you think you have been exposed to the risk of HIV then you should get tested immediately.

TESTD offers the latest in HIV testing technology. If you are generally concerned for your health and would like total peace of mind we offer a next day 5th Generation HIV Duo test. This is the most advanced method of testing for HIV and can be done from day 28 onwards following a potential exposure.

The 5th generation HIV Duo test looks for both antibodies and the p24 antigen for HIV and is incredibly accurate (over 99.9% sensitivity).

Please note that it is possible to test for HIV from day 10 after a potential exposure by taking an early detection screen, however it should always be followed up with a 28 day HIV Duo test.

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